DOHA, Dec. 8 (Xinhua) -- Brazil manager Tite said Thursday he would not tell his players to tone down their dancing goal celebrations in the team's World Cup quarterfinal against Croatia.
Brazil's choreographed routines have divided opinion with some suggesting that they have lacked respect toward their opponents.
"It's not being disrespectful, it's being us," Tite told a news conference ahead of Friday's match at Education City stadium. "It's a part of our culture and we will continue to be true to who we are."
"This is not my team. This is the Brazilian team and I have the responsibility of being the head coach. I'm sorry for those who do not know about Brazilian history and culture. But I care more about the people that I know and work with. I am discreet and I will continue to be that way out of respect for my team and my country."
Tite himself took part in a celebratory jig with Richarlison and Brazil's bench after the Tottenham forward's first-half strike against South Korea on Monday.
When asked if he had disrespected South Korea, Tite replied: "I'm 61 years old and I work with players that are as young as 20 or 21. They could be my grandchildren. If I have to dance to connect with them, I will continue dancing."
Croatia manager Zlatko Dalic, for his part, said he did not consider Brazil's dancing inappropriate, but made clear that he would not approve such behavior from his own players.
"They have their own way of celebrating," Dalic said. "They have joviality and unity. It's a demonstration of their character and tradition, and it's their right.
"Is it respectful or disrespectful? I cannot say. I wouldn't like to see my players doing it, but it's part of Brazil's culture and it's nice to see them dance." ■
