Ideal time for Kaka return, says Brazil coach

Rio de Janeiro - Brazil coach Mano Menezes has said it would be the ideal time for Kaka to return to international football and vowed to give the midfielder every chance to reclaim the team’s chief playmaker role.

Kaka has been recalled to the Brazil squad for the first time since the 2010 World Cup for international friendlies against Iraq in Sweden Thursday and Japan in Poland five days later, reports Xinhua.

“Kaka is one of the most important players in the national team and he helps others to strive to reach his level,” Menezes told Radio Esportes.

“We have been following him closely for the past two years and I have spoken regularly with him during that time. He is a player who creates a lot of expectation and we hope that he will be able to meet those expectations. This is the ideal time.”

Menezes has placed a strong emphasis on youth since taking over the Brazil coaching job from Dunga following the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Among the youngsters who have made their debut under him are emerging stars Neymar, Oscar, Paulo Henrique Ganso and Leandro Damiao.

Meanwhile, established idols such as Kaka, Adriano and Ronaldinho have been mostly overlooked.

After a series of recent inconsistent performances from the national team, Menezes has highlighted the need for more experienced players to provide leadership.

Kaka has struggled for first-team football at Real Madrid this season but impressed during his first start since May in the club’s 4-1 win over Ajax in their Champions League group match Wednesday.

The 30-year-old has made 82 appearances for Brazil and scored 27 goals since his 2002 debut.