Why Filipe Luis Would Replace Marcelo Against Mexico – Brazil Coach Explains

Filipe Luis will play ahead of Marcelo when Brazil face Mexico in the last-16 tie on Monday at Samara Arena, Russia.

Atletico Madrid left-back, Filipe Luis replaced Marcelo after he was forced off with back spasm just nine minutes into their last group game against Serbia. “Marcelo played little and then he trained little with little work, he has lost a bit of pace and that is a bit worrying ahead of a game that could go 120 minutes,” Brazil coach, Tite said on the Real Madrid star’s return to training.

On why Luis is the preferred choice to face Mexico, Tite explained: “On top of this (Marcelo’s knock) there is likely to be a lot of heat, humidity and so we have decided to start with Filipe. It is a decision based on his physical state, I spoke with Marcelo and he understands. He wanted to play but you have to make decisions, he could have hidden, saying that he didn’t want to play but he showed that he is a leader.”

Alisson, Fagner, Miranda, Thiago, Filipe; Casemiro, Paulinho; Willian, Coutinho, Neymar; and Gabriel Jesus, will start against Mexico.

Photo Credit: Getty