Madridistas All Over Copa And Euros Collide While Colombians Dominate - The Other Teams Thread

I think Carlo played this Neymar saga very well. I don’t think a Brazilian coach could’ve handled it the same way.

Ancelotti had the credibility and authority to leave Neymar behind. And the player and country knew that. He may have humbled Neymar, brought his ego down to the level of all the other squad mates, and pressured him to get into proper World Cup shape. A Brazilian manager wouldn’t be able to put such pressure on a figure like Neymar.

I don’t think he will feature often, but I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s got some magic left in the tank especially on the international stage, where it’s typically less organized opposition.

 

Neymar imo is finished as a serious footballer. At this point he's more of a celebrity cameo than an elite player; I genuinely struggle to see what meaningful value he adds to the squad beyond haircuts and endless media theatrics..

And let's be honest, Carlo selecting him was the path of least resistance. If Neymar had been left out, every press conference from now until Brazil's WC exit/win would've turned into a courtroom interrogation about it.

Ancelotti is excellent at diplomatic deflection, but even he knows it's easier to quietly include Neymar, especially with Rodrygo and Estevão injured. And yes, Neymar will probably absorbs a portion of the pressure that would otherwise fall on Junior, Raphina and the rest, though the former has dealt with worse.

The problem is that Neymar is a distraction regardless. I highly doubt Carlo actually plans to rely on him heavily, but once he's in the WC squad the media circus, the fanboys, and the Neymar religion will inevitably start demanding more minutes for him especially if Brazil stumble or perform poorly early on.

The state of Brazilian football is genuinely depressing and has been for over a decade. I grew up idolizing the Seleçao before I even understood club football existed.

 

I don’t expect him to play too much, but the other day where Neymar was so furious with the incorrect substitution, where the headlines were talking about a circus, I saw a player that is hungry. Santos was losing and he’s there fighting to play every minute to still prove himself.

I like that attitude and I think it came from a desperation to make this squad. I hope Ancelotti has put him on a path to contribute whether that is on or off the pitch.

 

Zagallo left out Romario in 98 though he would would have been fit for R16. That was a bullshit call..

 

Now that it's being confirmed by reliable sources that Pep will leave City this summer, I wonder if Madrid can convince Haaland to join while selling Vini Jr.

 

I said that back in 1998, when Zagallo snubbed Romário, my issue wasn't that he left Romário out. It was his replacement: Emerson, a defensive midfielder.

"Brazil is not going to win the World Cup," I told a friend before the start of the WC Finals. He laughed at me.

Without Romário, Brazil only brought three forwards to France. Bebeto was 34 years old. Edmundo? He had punched a Bolivian player in the final of the 1997 Copa América. Zagallo rushed to take him out immediately. That moment told me everything: when it mattered most, Zagallo would never rely on Edmundo. That left Ronaldo as his only reliable striker.

Yes, Rivaldo and others could help with goals. But this was Brazil in 1998—a golden generation of strikers. Zagallo could have taken Élber, Jardel, or Sonny Anderson for emergency cover. Instead, he chose a defensive midfielder. "What would Zagello do if R9 is injured in the Final?" I actually told many friends at the time.

Of course, Ronaldo's controversial final ended up being even bigger than I ever imagined. Romario or any other player could not save Brazil against France no matter what. But I still believe my original point was right.

 

Like Ronaldo?

 

Insane to leave Joao Pedro out, especially when for example Martinelli IN. still just mid squad, not good enough.

 

Decision expected today over 'spygate' which has been a big story here.

A couple of days before the Championship play off semi final between Southampton and Middlesbrough, the Southampton analyst was discovered hiding in a bush and behind a tree, next to the Middlesbrough training ground, filming their training session. Someone even got a picture of him doing it. When he was spotted, he ran away, went into a public toilet, changed into a different set of clothes and then got away



Southampton won the semi, and the final is due to take place in 4 days time, but the Middlesbrough team have continued training rather than going off on holiday, as there is a chance Southampton will be kicked out of the final and Middlesbrough replace them.

If I had to guess, I would say it will just be a hefty fine. But it could turn into a legal mess too.

There have also been some suggestions, all unsubstantiated though, that this wasn't a one off thing for Southampton and they had been up to this kind of thing at other times in the season

 

This has Moyes taking over after Ferguson written all over it.

 

I recall reading that the rule specifically prohibits observing an opponent’s training 72-hour before a match. I find it strange that there isn't an agreed punishment to a set rule. Especially given it was introduced as a reaction to Leeds spying on Derby. Had this been a league game I would assume they would have been disqualified but given the importance of the game it does feel like the punishement is disproportionate. I find myself standing on the side where the importance of the game should not impact the punishment.

 

Slot won PL last season and it could be Arteta this season. With big names like Klopp and Pep stepping away, there's a generation change at top PL clubs.

Enrique and Flick are the remaining big name coaches in Europe. Conte too though his CL record is bad.

Maresca is a well rated coach from his generation and was frustrated at Chelsea's messy transfer policy. That's what led to his sacking mainly.

 

But I'm not sure if Neymar is the type of player you can include on a WC squad and then not play much.(?) KInd of like CR7 with Portugal, but at least Portugal is desperate for a #9. Brazil has better options in the role Neymar plays.

 

That would make me very happy, but nearly impossible to happen.

 

Ronaldo and Messi level players won’t be seen for a long time if ever again.

We were fortunate to watch it in real time.

 

I actually don't understand Carlo's thinking here.


It might be like you say, he didn't call him up at first to cut him down to size BUT then it also makes no sense to call him up now. If he wasn't good enough to call up and test out in some friendlies why now that the real thing is here and the matches will be fast and physical - why does he think Neymar suddenly provides answers.




IMO he should have stuck to his guns and just not called Neymar up again until after the World Cup.

I think including Neymar was a mistake but Carlo is the one talking to the players so maybe he's identified some intangible we aren't aware of.

And let's be real here Neymar is neither Romario nor Ronaldinho in terms of importance and stature in the Brazil national team.



The pressure to include Romario in 2002 was more like a "make up" for not taking him 1998. With R9 and Rivaldo there just wasn't room for him as a CF.

I can remember reading an article recently where he said he accepts those were the right decision, that in retrospect he wasn't fit in '98 it was that simple and in 2002 the team won it without him so in that case it was also the right decision - basically that including him wouldn't have changed the outcomes or made the team better.

I think it's a distraction and a mistake.

Carlo will have to justify giving or not giving him the #10, and if he gives him the #10 he will then basically have to make him an automatic starter. Then there's gonna be pressure to also make him Captain. And while it may be that Neymar is loved enough in the lockerroom for none of this to be issue I think at the end of the day he won't perform on the field, probably get's injured right away and that will be the downfall.


I just don't see him sitting back and playing a Modric type of #10 role for them, however, if Carlo can get him on board for doing the boring sideways passing and ball ciculating then that's certainly one of the missing pieces for this Brazil team.