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”It’s a topic I’ve discussed with Deco. He’s a very important player. Before the last international break, he arrived injured. It wasn’t the best situation. But that’s how it is. There’s nothing we can do. I know Rapha is captain here, but he’s also Brazilian, and when his national team calls him up, he’s there,” he told a news conference.

“After the World Cup, there’s a new situation. Everyone wants to be there to help. For me, if we can manage his playing time a bit, I’ll be happy. Going back and forth to Singapore isn’t ideal. It’s not something I can control or change.”