Real Madrid Brazilian speaks to MARCA

Considered for a long time the best midfielder in the world, Mauro Silva was a big part of the Brazilian team that won the World Cup in 1994, and now the legendary player for Depor sees in Casemiro the most similar player to him.

What does Mauro Silva do now?

"I am in Sao Paulo, working for the Sao Paulo Federation. Trying to improve Brazilian football, which has a lot of potential but needs to be modernised in terms of organisation and structure. We are on the right track to have a much more professional and more orderly football."

And why did you choose this more administrative side of football?

"Good question ... The truth is that I wan't struck by being a coach, I didn't want to carry on the same routine as the player. Trips, training, matches... But I did want to contribute in some way to the world of football, because football has given me everything. So from this area I hope to give back a small part of everything that the game has given me."

And has football changed a lot since you retired?

"Yes, it has changed a lot. Football is more and more about business, really. But I'm not saying this is bad. On the one hand, sports performance continues, but the business side has gained a lot of ground and we have to adapt to it, taking the good in this area. But my philosophy, now from the outside, is to see football as an integrating element, a sport to tear down walls and build bridges."

I can't imagine you tweeting before a game ...

"You never know... I was a player that I've always tried to convey values of humility, peace, but that's not why I'm against social networks. I think the problem is not the social network but the use that is sometimes made of it. It is a very useful tool if used well. Football can not turn its back on technology."

Do you agree with the use of the VAR then?

"I agree with everything that helps to help. Technology is fantastic to make reports on your rivals, to discover new talents, to improve the physical condition of the players... All this is wonderful. And for referees, I think it's also very good. If it helps to avoid injustices in the matches and does not alter the rhythm of this sport, why not use it?"

When will VAR reach Brazil? In Spain we are still waiting ...

"Well, there's still a bit of time left. It is in the study phase, but we want to put it right, not make a fudge. We are improving many things in Brazilian football and when we put the VAR we want it to work the first time, so that it doesn't give us more problems than solutions."

Are you still interested in the Spanish League?

"Sure, especially Deportivo. Spain is my home, also my country... And Depor will always be in my heart."

Is it impossible to repeat a SuperDepor like yours?

"Well, unfortunately, I'm afraid so. Because in football more money matters and the difference with Madrid and Barcelona is insurmountable. Depor managed in my time to sign Bebeto, Rivaldo, Djalminha ... Can you imagine Deportivo signing a Brazilian national team player now? Coutinho at Deportivo? Now it's impossible..."

And the Madrid-Barcelona rivalry... how do you see it?

"The League is very interesting because Barcelona are well ahead, but what I see now is a stronger Madrid. That's why I say it's going to be very interesting...

The work that Zidane is doing is spectacular and I am very happy for him. I am happy because he is a good person and very humble, which are two key ingredients to be a good coach. From my experience, in the end you realise that behind the best coaches and players there is always a great person, and this is the case."

Did you imagine that he would succeed as well as technically?

"Zidane loves football and knows football, so there he has an advantage. Now, he is showing that he is a great group manager, that this is fundamental. I have spoken with several players of Madrid lately and they are delighted with him. I have no doubt that Madrid has found a coach for a long time, with plenty of credit although things may go wrong at some point... I'm sure it's going to be a great year again."

One of the keys to this Madrid is Casemiro. What do you think of him?

"I love Casemiro, he's one of my weaknesses. He does everything well in front of the defence and transmits calm to the whole team. He always moves intelligently... And now he has added the goals to his repertoire! For me, he is the best in the world in his position."

Do you know him?

"Yes, we have a good relationship. I met him in the national team, when I helped Dunga. Casemiro is a good person, humble, hardworking, a good husband, a good father ... He is the player you always want to have on your team because he only thinks of the collective. That is also one of his secrets, his humility and generosity."

What advice did you give him?

"We play in the same position, but he knows the job very well. He knows what he has to do and is a player who does not seek to be the most noticeable on the pitch. If he wanted to do more things than he has to gain prominence, it would not be the same Casemiro and he would not play so well. He is a player who never seeks to excel yet always stands out. A key player in all his teams."

Do you see him as important with Brazil?

"Yes, today is already a key man for both Madrid and the selecao. There is no other like him in his position."

Brazil see it for the World Cup?

"Tite has made a very compact block, like Zidane, and then there are great players and a differential footballer like Neymar. We will arrive in Russia in a sweet moment, although in football you never know what will happen..."

Were you surprised that Neymar left Barcelona?

"A little yes, the truth. I spoke with Neymar's father and he told me that he recommended him to continue in Barcelona, but that the boy was looking for other objectives. The decision is brave and risky, but only time will tell if it was wrong or not..."

Vinicius Jr. What can you tell me about him?

"I haven't seen him so much as to have a perfectly formed view, but from what I have seen, it's clear that he has tremendous potential. Then we must see if he is up to the expectation created. Sometimes, so many hopes generate a lot of pressure..."

And the Spanish team, do you see them doing well?

"Yes. I know Julen and from the beginning I knew he would do a great job. He has started well, strong, making a team, but then he will be measured in the World Cup... and a World Cup is so difficult... I would like very much that Spain and Brazil go far, they are my two countries."