Sao Paulo, March 7 (IANS) Former Brazil coach Mano Menezes has refused to be drawn into a verbal feud with Dani Alves after the Barcelona and Selecao fullback criticized the current Corinthians manager.

Menezes said at a press conference Thursday that he did not take issue with Alves’ claims that the national team had “lost respect” during his tenure as Selecao boss from 2010 to 2012, reported Xinhua.

“Everybody has the right to say what they feel and that has to be respected,” Menezes said.

“With me he (Alves) has always been a gentleman and that’s what matters. Sometimes things get said during interviews and players are not able to express themselves in a certain way.”

Menezes coached Brazil 33 times for 21 wins, six losses and six draws.

He was sacked by Brazil’s football confederation just days after leading the Selecao to the Super Classic of the Americas trophy with victory over Argentina.

After a faltering start under Scolari, the Selecao won the Confederations Cup last June and are considered among the favourites at this year’s World Cup.