Brazil coach Dorival Junior expressed concerns about his team's lack of balance as they prepare to kick off their Copa America campaign against Costa Rica on Monday. Junior, who took over in January following Brazil's poor start in World Cup qualification, emphasized the need for the team to find regularity and cohesion.

"We need to find a balance, a regularity, for this team that was assembled three months ago and is now rediscovering itself," Junior stated during a news conference before the Group D opener.

Despite remaining unbeaten in four friendly matches under Junior, with victories over England and Mexico and draws against Spain and the United States, Brazil has struggled to gel as a cohesive unit. The team has displayed defensive fragility and a lack of midfield control, even as it boasts exciting attacking talents like Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo from Real Madrid and Barcelona's Raphinha.

"We are still a team in formation, with some players who maybe didn't even imagine being here at this moment," said Junior. Notably, he has opted not to include experienced players such as Thiago Silva and Casemiro, as well as Premier League forwards Richarlison and Gabriel Jesus.

Despite the squad's relative inexperience, Junior remains optimistic about their quality. "They are prepared athletes, who play in great teams in Brazilian and world football. That's why I hope we will have a good tournament," he remarked.

There is considerable excitement around 17-year-old forward Endrick, who will join Real Madrid from Palmeiras after the Copa America. However, he is expected to start on the bench. "Without balance on the pitch, we have to take a step back. He (Endrick) is aware of that and is calm (...) It might not be long (before he starts), because he is an extremely skilful player," Junior added.

Brazil's captain Danilo cautioned against underestimating Costa Rica, who have qualified for the last three World Cups. "Costa Rica is a team that perhaps defends very well, makes very quick transitions, has very vertical players. There are no easy teams in football," Danilo warned.

Danilo also highlighted the importance of focus for Brazil's young squad. "We have a young group, with some of the players playing for the first time in the national team. It's time for us to change our faces a bit, reduce the smiles, the jokes, and focus on the competition," he said.

Group D also includes Colombia and Paraguay, who will face off in Houston on Monday.