Marcelo downplays Neymar absence

Brazil are without their talisman and captain Neymar
for their upcoming clash with Venezuela, but Marcelo
insists they can cope.

There are enough players of sufficient quality in the
Brazil squad to ensure Neymar's absence is not sorely felt,
according to Marcelo.

Dunga's men suffered defeat in their opening match of the
World Cup qualification process, going down 2-0 to
reigning Copa America champions Chile.

Neymar was absent for Brazil - who have also had Marcelo
Grohe and David Luiz withdraw from the squad through injury -
due to a suspension which also rules him out of Tuesday's
clash with Venezuela.

However, the Real Madrid left-back opined that the squad have
enough depth to cover for the loss of their captain.

"Neymar helps a lot, of course we miss him, but there are
others who can play in his place and help the team," Marcelo
said in a press conference.

Since Dunga retook the helm, Brazil have defeated both Chile
and Colombia in friendly clashes but lost meetings with the two
nations in competitive fixtures.

Marcelo was at a loss when asked why he thought this was the
case, but insisted it is not a hangover remaining from their 7-1
semi-final humiliation at the hands of Germany at World Cup
2014.

"I do not know what happens. We go to every game as if it were
a final. We always want to win, whether it's a friendly or not," he
added.

"Of course, we will see what went wrong and go over it. We
have a great desire to give joy to the Brazilian public.

"I do not think it's something psychological because of what
happened at the World Cup.

"We do not have much time to work in the national team, but it's
no excuse."

But the 27-year-old is not worried about a possible negative
reception at the Castelao, assuring that the players are only
focused on picking up their first points of the campaign.

"I cannot say if they are going to stop supporting us. When we
arrived in Fortaleza, everyone received us well," Marcelo said.

"The atmosphere is great and we will do everything to win.

"We are not concerned with the boos or applause - we have to
do our job and win. The crowd is with us, they want to see
Brazil win."