Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti told The Athletic that Neymar remains under evaluation for the squad, emphasizing physical fitness as a key consideration.
6:35 PM
Carlo Ancelotti has addressed Brazil's preparations ahead of the World Cup in a wide-ranging interview with The Athletic, touching on squad selection, tactical philosophy, and Italy's failure to qualify.
Regarding Neymar's potential inclusion in the squad, Ancelotti said the Paris Saint-Germain forward "was and is an option," though a final decision will come "at the end of the evaluation." He stressed that assessing Neymar's suitability involves more than technical ability. "It is a great talent. What we must evaluate in him is not whether he is capable of controlling or passing the ball. It is important that he is in good physical condition," Ancelotti said.
The Brazil coach reflected on the nation's previous World Cup victories, recalling the attacking partnerships that defined those campaigns. "Everyone remembers, myself included, the Romario and Bebeto pairing in 1994, and the trio of Ronaldinho, Rivaldo and Ronaldo," he explained. Ancelotti also noted a tactical detail from Brazil's World Cup history, observing that "for the first time at the World Cup, Brazil played with three central defenders."
Ancelotti drew on his experience with Andrea Pirlo when discussing tactical approaches. He referenced how Pirlo had proposed himself as a regista—a deep-lying playmaker positioned in front of the defense—a concept that informed thinking about player positioning and roles within the team structure.
On Italy's absence from the World Cup, Ancelotti expressed surprise at the situation. "Italy still out? There are problems to be solved," he said, acknowledging the difficulties facing the Italian national team.
The interview also touched on Brazil's penalty preparation, with Ancelotti discussing the national team's approach to set-piece situations—a detail reflecting the comprehensive nature of his World Cup planning.
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Striker included despite playing only 69 minutes this season and recovering from hamstring injury. Manager says he is "out of shape."
