Roberto Carlos and Scolari Disagree on Love for Team

Brazilian national team and Real Madrid defender Roberto Carlos, referring to statements about team spirit made by the squad's new coach, said "the love of the uniform does not exist."

Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari, who took the reins of the Brazilian squad last week, had called for less professionalism among his players and more of a spirit of camaraderie.

"That idea of love of the uniform does not exist. Who I have to love is my family," Roberto Carlos told the Rio de Janeiro daily O Globo.

"I always respected the yellow jersey of Brazil. The team is important to me, fundamentally. Every time that I can play with (the team), I want to," the star defender added.

Scolari said he hoped to elevate the level of play of Brazil and instill pride in his players with a philosophy of 'love for the uniform.'

Brazil is in fourth place in the 2002 World Cup qualifying tournament for South America, trailing leader Argentina by 11 points.

Roberto Carlos said he was not concerned about the four-time World Cup champs' recent woes, noting that many great teams have experienced rough patches and learned how to overcome them.

"Germany and Italy, for example, experienced the same difficulties and have already practically qualified for the (2002) World Cup," he said.