Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has commented that the country does not have the ‘referential footballer’ in the team! Referential means the ‘tag’ of most valuable footballer in the squad, which Neymar Jr. has mainly worn since the 2014 World Cup.
“We have one of the world’s best goalkeepers, some of the best defenders, top midfielders and some players up front. I don’t want players who want to be the best in the world, I want players who want to win the World Cup,” Ancelotti said.
His statement suggests that uncertainty still looms large over 33-year-old Neymar’s inclusion in the national team for the forthcoming World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The Italian has yet to pick the former captain since he took over in May. “If Neymar is better than others, he will play in the World Cup, and that’s it. But I don’t have debts to anyone,” Ancelotti said at a press conference in Washington on Friday following the draw. Brazil is in Group C with Morocco, Haiti and Scotland.
The veteran coach added, “If we speak about Neymar, we have to speak about other players,” Ancelotti added. “We have to think about Brazil with or without Neymar, with or without other players. Our final list will be made after the FIFA fixtures in March.”
The 33-year-old Neymar has not fully recovered from tearing his ACL in October 2023 during a World Cup qualifier against Uruguay. He has also been playing a critical role for Santos as the club fights relegation in the Brazilian championship.
On Wednesday, despite a muscle injury, he scored a hat trick for Santos. He is expected to play again Sunday against Cruzeiro.
Asked about his team’s group, Ancelotti said Brazil can top it. “We can win all three matches, our idea is very clear. We need to be competitive during the entire World Cup. Our goal is to play in the final, and for that to happen, you need to face very strong teams anyway.”
Brazil won the last of its five World Cup trophies in 2002. Morocco were very good during the last World Cup in Qatar, and Scotland is also a solid squad. It will not be easy at all, revealed Ancelotti while speaking to Brazilian television station Sportv.
Brazil will start their campaign against Morocco on 13th June.
