Miranda says five-time world champions Brazil must renovate as they look to build towards next years’s Copa America, insisting he welcomes the competition that comes with new faces.
Coach Tite has handed out nine debuts in the three Brasil Global Tour matches since World Cup 2018, with Miranda left out of the squad completely last month.
The 34-year-old is is set to return to the side against Argentina on Tuesday and insists a makeover is necessary following their World Cup quarter-final elimination to Belgium.
“Renewing the team is necessary,” Miranda said from Jeddah.
“Since the World Cup in Russia, Tite is seeking to combine experience with new players so that the team can begin to prepare for the next cycle, with a view to the World Cup in Qatar in 2022.”
Only six players (Willian, Philippe Coutinho, Alisson, Paulinho, Neymar and Gabriel Jesus) have earned more than Miranda’s 21 caps under the current boss, but the Inter defender was left out of the squad completely last month.
He returned this month at the expense of his World Cup central-defensive partner Thiago Silva, also 34, and the duo’s time with the Selecao appears to be coming to an end, at least after June’s Copa America in Brazil.
"The arrival of new, young players is very important,” Miranda added. “It’s key to find a good mix as the experienced players can help the new ones, and we have to maintain the high standard.
“I think, in view of all these arguments, that in the end Tite will make his decision and we hope it is for the better, regardless of age.”
Miranda’s advanced years would suggest his time is coming to an end, but the former Atletico man is showing few signs of slowing down and is convinced he can keep going for some time yet.
"I work with a nutritionist, a physiologist, and today a player can still play at a high level at 38, 39-years-old, due to the evolution of football in all those areas. That is my goal.”
He has worn the captain’s armband more than anyone else under Tite (5), but the rotation policy has come to an end following Neymar’s appointment as the team’s permanent skipper.
And Miranda has backed his coach’s decision, stating his belief that the PSG star is the right man to lead the Selecao forward.
"Neymar is a leader,” Miranda said.
“He has his own way of leading and I think it was a good choice. Neymar has a great responsibility and we have to share that responsibility in the leadership of the group. We respect him and we will all try to help him in the best way possible.
