Ronaldinho needs to train more: Brazil coach

MADRID: Barcelona's Brazilian midfielder Ronaldinho, whose expanding waistline has raised alarm bells in the Spanish press, needs to train more, Brazil's national coach Dunga has said.

"He has to train. When he is well physically, there is nothing that can stop him," sports daily Marca quoted Dunda as saying during an interview with Catalunya Radio.

"Ronaldinho lacks speed, he does not have that initial burst of 30 to 40 metres that allowed him to get away from his rivals," he added.

"Kaka is the best player at the moment, Ronaldinho has the capability to return to the top and Robinho could be up there," said Dunga.

Spanish football fans and sports media have criticised Ronaldinho for gaining weight and missing training sessions this year.

Earlier this month the 27-year-old requested that he not be considered for selection for Brazil's squad for the Copa America in July because he is too tired to play after a long season in Spain and Europe which is still underway.

With just two matches left to play in the Spanish premier league, Barcelona are level on points with arch rivals Real Madrid at the top of the table.

Despite his spotty record this season, Ronaldinho is Barcelona's top scorer with 20 goals.