At 33 years old, Neymar is a key player for Brazil, but Ancelotti prioritizes his fitness and game consistency before risking his participation.
Carlo Ancelotti and the wait keeping Neymar and Brazil on edge
The coach told the media: “I haven’t spoken to him again. We’ll see when he recovers and returns to play.”
This stance reflects a cautious and strategic approach, aiming for Neymar to reach his peak performance before reintegrating him into the national team.
Carlo Ancelotti had previously praised the talent of the former Barcelona player, stating that when he is in good shape, Neymar can shine not only in Brazil but in any team in the world.
However, his policy of calling up the player only when fully ready has sparked intense debate among former players and fans.
The controversy over Neymar and Carlo Ancelotti criteria
The debate intensified when former Brazilian defender Fabio Luciano questioned Ancelotti decision on the program Resenha da Rodada.
Luciano argued that Neymar should be called up even if he is not at 100% physically, highlighting his unique talent and the lack of similar players in the Seleção.
Meanwhile, Carlo Ancelotti maintains his approach: prioritizing Neymar’s full recovery to ensure optimal performance in upcoming matches, including the FIFA World Cup.
Neymar has not played for the national team since October 2023, and his last goal for Brazil was in September of the same year. A brace against Bolivia.
Carlo Ancelotti thus faces the challenge of balancing squad management with the expectations of fans and the press. Who closely follow every move of the coach.
The decision to wait for the ideal moment to call up Neymar reflects not only prudence but also the pressure to maintain Brazil’s. Competitiveness without compromising the health of its star player.
