As reported by the Orlando Sentinel’s Alicia DelGallo earlier this week, Orlando City have hit back at Brazilian national team coach Dunga after he suggested that lighter training in MLS led to the injury that forced Kaká out of the Copa America Centenario.
Kaká was named to Brazil’s roster two weeks ago as an injury replacement for Bayern Munich’s Douglas Costa, but was withdrawn from the roster just five days later after suffering an injury of his own during the Brazilian camp. The Lions' star traveled to Brazil for treatment and missed out on his national team's Copa America visit to Orlando.
Dunga, who managed Brazil to a 7-1 win against Haiti at Camping World Stadium on Wednesday, told the Sentinel that Kaká’s absence may have been caused by a discrepancy between “the quality and intensity” of training with Brazil and Orlando.
The comments did not play well with Orlando City, who have seen Kaká join the national team healthy only to return injured twice since last September.
“It is very sad to see someone using prejudice to justify Kaká’s injury,” Diogo Kotscho, Orlando City’s vice president of communications, told the Sentinel. “MLS is a very physical league, and the work we do here and all over MLS with the players is referenced worldwide. Our training facility and professionals are world-class.”
It is not yet clear whether Kaká will be available when Orlando return to MLS play on June 18 against the San Jose Earthquakes.
