Vinicius Jnr has apologised to Brazil fans after their embarrassing 1-0 defeat by Paraguay on Tuesday.
The defeat was Brazil's fourth in five qualifying games in South American (CONMEBOL) World Cup qualifying, with the Selecao languishing in fifth place of the group, while they were also knocked out of the Copa America in the quarter-finals in the summer.
It came despite a strong line-up, with Real Madrid's Rodrygo, Endrick and Vinicius' in the front three, while the likes of Alisson, Bruno Guimaraes and Marquinhos were also playing.
Following the clash - which was settled by Diego Gomez's first half goal - Vinicius was left dejected and pleaded with the fans to keep supporting the team.
'I want to apologize to the fans, I know it's a difficult time, but we just want to improve,' the forward told Brazilian TV channel Globo.
'Games in Europe are faster than here. The ball arrives faster because of the field, we have to adapt to play in the best way to win games.
'I want to ask the fans for forgiveness. I know it’s a complicated moment, but we will be back.'
The defeat continued Vinicius' difficult run for the national team, with the Real Madrid star having netted just five times in 35 caps despite scoring more than 20 goals for Los Blancos in each of the last three seasons.
The 24-year-old admitted he must do better but backed himself to turn the difficult run of form around.
'I know my potential, (and) what I can do for the national team,' he added. 'Of course, it's been a very complicated process because when you don't have confidence, you don't get goals.'
And PSG star Marquinhos, a veteran of 91 caps, admitted that things weren't great right now, but insisted the players were determined to turn things around.
PSG star Marquinhos (right), a veteran of 91 caps, admitted that things weren't great right now
'The coach is still figuring out the best way for us to play and that's reflected in the result,' he told Globo. 'There are a lot of new players, we are lacking confidence.
'Qualifying isn't easy, it's a difficult time and we have to know how to manage it. It's a time of transition, we're not feeling confident.
'We're going to work hard, (and) getting results on the pitch is the best answer.'