RIO DE JANEIRO, April 26 (Xinhua) -- Brazil World Cup winner Gilbert Silva has hailed the influence of Dunga in his second spell as coach of the national team.
The Selecao have won eight consecutive matches since Dunga replaced Luiz Felipe Scolari after last year's World Cup.
Gilberto, who played in Brazil's 2002 World Cup-winning team, said Dunga has mellowed since his first spell in charge from 2006 to 2010.
"I believe this Dunga is more mature and less angry," Gilberto told Goal.com on Sunday. "He is a guy that has a big personality and I believe he'll help the Selecao a lot.
"He will demand the most from every player he calls up and demand commitment to the country and the shirt. Of that, I am sure. The Selecao is a reference point for Brazil and they are in good hands."
Gilberto, a member of Arsenal's 2003-04 Invincibles, said Brazil should prioritize the 2018 World Cup ahead of this year's Copa America in Chile.
"We shouldn't think about being Copa America favorites," Gilberto said. "We have to think about being prepared for the next World Cup.
"What is most important, disregarding the results, is that Brazil can display some good football because we'll have the World Cup qualifiers next and they'll be as difficult as the Copa America."