FIFA.com spoke to Gustavo about his role with the Brazil national side, the upcoming World Cup and his recent successes at both club and international level.
FIFA.com: The World Cup is looming large on the horizon. Are you excited?
Luiz Gustavo: The whole world, not to mention every player who is set to take part, is happy that it’s just around the corner. Everyone, including me, is trying to prepare well. The whole world is waiting for the World Cup to start.
Would playing in a World Cup be the highlight of your career?
A World Cup is always a career highlight for every footballer. Everyone in the Brazil team knows what we have to do. We want to try and win the competition. That’s the greatest thing you can achieve as a player.
What do you make of Brazil’s group, which includes Mexico, Croatia and Cameroon?
There are no easy opponents. You might say we have to prepare ourselves for seven finals. We have to focus on the job at hand, then we can achieve what we set out to do.
How do you deal with the pressure of having to win the World Cup? Everyone in Brazil expects you to triumph. Do the expectations of the media, the fans and everyone else place unnecessary pressure on the team? Or do they act as a motivation?
Both – there’s added pressure and motivation. We know what the competition means to everyone in Brazil. We will do everything in our power to meet those expectations. They can’t wait for the World Cup to start.
I don’t regret it. It’s always good to have new challenges. That’s been the story of my career.
Luiz Gustavo on leaving Bayern Munich
Things certainly went to plan at the Confederations Cup. What was the secret to Brazil’s success in last year’s tournament?
The fans played a big part. When they get behind us, it’s unbelievable. Everyone in Brazil is crazy about football – I think that helped us a lot.
You played in all five matches at the tournament. Were you surprised to be such an integral part of Luiz Scolari’s plans?
No, it wasn’t a surprise. I’d been biding my time and he gave me an opportunity, which I grabbed with both hands.
How do you assess your role in the national side?
It’s difficult to explain. We’re a group that always tries to help one another – as is also the case at Wolfsburg. The team’s in good shape and we all know how to pick each other up when we’re going through a difficult spell. We try and find a solution together.
Much has been talked about Brazil’s incredible attack. Would you rather be the centre of attention?
That isn’t important. I just want to win. I know exactly what I have to do in my position, but I can’t score that many goals because I don’t go forward that often. That’s why it doesn’t bother me. If I have to run for 90 minutes for my team, then that’s what I’ll do.
What can football fans expect from a World Cup held in Brazil?
They can look forward to a great World Cup – it’s going to be a great spectacle. The Brazilians will give their all for everyone who has travelled to the country.
Last term, you also enjoyed a very successful season at club level. It’s been several months since Bayern secured an unprecedented treble – how would you sum up that historic campaign?
