Well, Ancelotti has arrived in Rio: https://ge.globo.com/futebol/seleca...de-janeiro-para-se-apresentar-a-selecao.ghtml There's obviously a lot of excitement about the call-up tomorrow. Honestly, I'm apprehensive. For one, we have quite a few players out: Éder Militão, Bremer, Gabriel being the biggest absences, in my opinion. Rodrygo and Endrick are also out. Vini Jr. was rumored to possibly be out, but he played 35 minutes today, so hopefully he's fully available. The other thing that makes me apprehensive is that I think a Neymar call up is likely. And that's a waste of a spot. Maybe it's just because I've been listening to Brazilian media and the whole narrative around Neymar is awful. Everyone says he's not ready and in the very next sentence more than half of those people say he has to be there. I'm still hoping Ancelotti won't call him up, but I really don't know which way to lean. And based on the video I posted above, there are definitely positives about his adaptability, but also negatives about his willingness to work with what he is given. Anyways, realistically my biggest hope if for one of Carlos Augusto or Caio Henrique to be called in. Both would be too much to expect, I think. Won't be surprised if it's Alex Sandro + 1. Also, I'm hopeful that on defense the 4th spot will be someone like Alexsandro, who is looking like a solid prospect, and not Beraldo, who is a bit of an underwhelming known quantity. And then the biggest question mark is the middle. I hope we see 6 mids NOT including Neymar or another forward. If Neymar is called in, I hope that doesn't reduce us to 5 mids. Anyways, here's a hopeful/optimistic guess for tomorrow: Alisson, Ederson, Perri; Vanderson, Wesley; Marquinhos, Murillo, Léo Ortiz, Alexsandro; Caio Henrique, Carlos Augusto; Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro, Andrey, João Gomes, Andreas, Gérson; Martinelli, Raphinha, Savinho, Vini Jr.; Pedro, Richarlison A more realistic call-up probably has only one of those left-backs (as I said above), if any, probably doesn't include Andrey, and probably includes Neymar. But I'm trying to remain optimistic.
ESPN's Brazil website reports more than 200 journalists' credentials were sought by reporters from all over the world. This alone indicates how anticipated this call-up is; it is no exaggeration to state this Brazil NT call-up is the most eagerly awaited since Tite announced Brazil's 2022 World Cup roster. And while every World Cup roster call-up gets a lot of attention, this is probably the most anticipated Brazil NT roster call-up in years if not decades, and for obvious reasons. When Tite replaced Dunga in 2016, the changes were immediate; Brazil started winning consecutive WCQ matches, and comfortably so. Frankly speaking, I do not expect Brazil to do this now, even though the talent pool is solid. Ancelotti has to pick up a lot of pieces, and as outstanding as his track record is, he's no magician. Still, if Brazil suddenly re-incarnates versions from more successful chapters of its history, I certainly won't complain. Like you, I do not want Neymar there. Barring a miraculous recovery and consistent, high-level performances for Santos, I argue Neymar should not be on the list going into next year's World Cup given his injury-riddled recent past and his inconsistent level of play. For now, the next-best talent which is also 100% physically should be given priority.
Live on CBF TV (and if you prefer, many broadcasters too, just search no youtube): EDIT: Ancelotti ensaiando his best portunhol already. EDIT: After the introductions and asking Ancelotti to talk for a bit, there's a message from Parreira recorded for Ancelotti. And then Scolari is present to pass the baton to Ancelotti (presenting him with the coach's jacket). EDIT: The next step is to talk about his coaching staff. They have a slide show of his staff and the Brazilian staff (like Taffarel and Rodrigo Lasmar), but it doesn't seem like that was well-prepared or coordinated with him. He commented though on talks he has had with Rodrigo (Caetano) about the structure and working together. Rodrigo Caetano comments on this as well. EDIT: Samir Xaud steps down (from the stage! don't get excited) to let Ancelotti and Rodrigo Caetano continue. Before the call-up, a video of former players and other Brazilian athletes welcoming Ancelotti, starting with Falcão. EDIT: And finally the usual part begins (20 mins after star time, 40mins into the video if you're watching), with Rodrigo Caetano going over logistics after which Ancelotti will name the players.
Here is the list: Goleiros: Alisson, Bento, Hugo Souza Laterais: Alex Sandro, Carlos Augusto, Vanderson, Wesley Zagueiros: Alexsandro, Beraldo, Danilo, Leo Ortiz, Marquinhos Meias: Andreas Perreira, Andrey Santos, Bruno Guimarães, Casemiro, Éderson, Gérson Atacantes: Antony, Estêvão, Gabriel Martinelli, Matheus Cunha, Raphinha, Richarlison, Vini Jr. So... no Neymar, 25 names, and 6 of them are actual midfielders. That's all positive. Not happy with the keeper selection, I would have wanted Perri over Bento and I'm not hyped about Hugo Souza. Central defenders, too bad for Murillo, but glad we got Alexsandro to get a look at him.
Carlinhos saying he wants to enjoy Rio, go sightseeing ... not something you want to say it out loud right off the bat ... (mas já que é o cara vai passar batido na imprensa). Reminds me of Abel last year saying he wanted more free time to enjoy the restaurants in São Paulo.
I think when it comes to Ancelotti, people kind of want that from him though, it's not just the press that will give him a pass on it.
No Neymar is a bucket of iced cold water over my body, a complete shock, very difficult to believe, and extremely disappointing.
I wasn't able to stick around for the whole press conference, but I'm catching up. Looks like Ederson (GK) was also unavailable due to injury. Funny to hear a lot of pundits go on about how some of these names are probably because of Carlo Ancelotti, then naming players that were on the previous long list, like Alexsandro, Andrey, Beraldo. The only names in today's call-up that were not on the March preliminary list are Carlos Augusto, Casemiro, Richarlison. All of those were coming back from injury at that time. None of these names were off the radar and suddenly brought in by Ancelotti. The team will meet next Monday, officially, though with all the European leagues done I'm sure we'll see lots of people in early. The team will train on that Monday and Tuesday, then travel on Tuesday, train in Ecuador on Wednesday and play on Thursday, June 5. After that, back to São Paulo for recovery on the 6th, training 7, 8 and 9 before the match on the 10th.
I was checking the news for some of the injured players and supposedly Militão and Bremer could be back for their teams during the Club World Cup. Not sure how likely that really is and obviously I hope they aren't rushed back. But that does suggest both will be available in September if all goes well. It remains to be seen if they can recover fully in form as well.
Starting at 2H 14mins 25s, Pedro Ivo of ESPN Brasil talks a little bit about how bad the little details were during Ednaldo's time and how quickly things were changed in the week leading up to the call-up. The portion before this too is interesting if you want more details:
It shouldn't be a shock. He is barely playing 30 mins right now. We shouldn't be calling up players who can't play at least 70 mins. And Neymar would be a major distraction. If Neymar finally gets a stretch with no injuries and subsequently match fit, he will be called up.
Maybe Carlo will use him as a sub ( Later in the match ) for a quick 15/20 mins burst. In that way maybe he can be effective instead of playing full 90 mins . Moreover being a senior player he can provide leadership to the team as well .
One match note I overlooked yesterday Raphinha is suspended for the Ecuador match. André would have been suspended too, but not called up. Pendurados for this first match: Danilo, Léo Ortiz, Matheus Cunha, Vini Jr. Also pendurados, but not called in: Éderson (GK), Murillo, Endrick, Neymar, Rodrygo
Nothing about a crippled Neymar screams leadership. I see three scenarios he gets injured right before the WC and doesn't make it. He gets injured and rushes back and then isn't good. Or he makes it to the WC but is no where near good enough to compete among the world's best. But one thing about Carlo is he values experience and big names more than anything. He could very well depend on him to be a starter.
The Brazilian national team has lacked a true leadership figure in recent months; such a figure is crucial for success. Casemiro’s return could fill that void. The younger players also look up to Neymar. If fit, he will undoubtedly be an asset, offering creativity and vision in the no. 10 role, which Brazil has sorely lacked in the recent past.
I just don't see taking Neymar as a sub player. Different personalities but same case as Romario 2002. If you take him, it has to be as a starter. He (Romario) even said it in a recent interview that he would not have accepted being bench in that WC. Neymar's only reason for not having retired yet is the WC. And I doubt he'd want to be a bench player even in an eventual title.
I probably take a the current half fit Neymar even 10-15 mins over what I seen from 90 mins of Vini, Paqueta, Rodrygo and whoever else we played in attack bar Endrick due to age) and Raphinha (he has not been great but at least average) post WC 2022. Mind you I don’t think Neymar should be called anytime soon. He definitely needs to get fit and healthy but I can’t see Brazil winning the WC without him. This is most down I have ever been on a Brazilian NT.
Curious to you and all of the other posters on here, do you think Neymar will be healthy or even just fit enough to be a starter and help win a World Cup?
I'll be honest, I'm a little annoyed Carlo only took a one year deal (unless I'm mistaken and he signed on to 2030). I can definitely see Brazil winning a WC without Neymar but in 2030. Key is to build a balanced team who play a stretch together and build a repertoire with the same/similar tactics and the same manager leading them. I just don't see how this happens in one year with a major piece of the puzzle missing.
After not playing for over a year with a serious injury, I do believe it's normal for him to get these muscle injuries. So I think there is a decent chance he will be healthy enough for the WC. Specially now that it looks that he ditched his personal physio and is taking this recovery more seriously. Having said that, it will be a Neymar that has lost even more of that quick step he once had. So he will need to play different. The main problem Neymar has right now is, if he doesn't renew with Santos, what team is gonna take him up ?
Frankly, it doesn't look promising. This will be Neymar's fourth World Cup, with many having criticized Dunga for leaving him out of the 2010 roster. He lacks the speed and agility that wowed observers and left opponents scrambling during the early stage of his career. Watch some of his high-speed runs which led to goals back in 2010-2011, such as during the 2011 Copa Libertadores. He cannot do that now. As Celito said, he may not even play for Santos anymore; he did essentially nothing to improve Santos this season. I speculate many Santos fans are more than a little disappointed and disillusioned that he came back only for the team to remain far from the top tier of Brazilian clubs at the moment. The World Cup is about 1 year away, so if Neymar experiences a dramatic recovery in physical condition and his play rises drastically, then sure, he could be a bench player at least. But again, Celito makes a good observation: age will affect his performance and he will need to adapt. I'm not sure Ancelotti will want to wait between now and the 2026 World Cup to see whether Neymar is worth taking given he'll be busy building a team with what he has available now. Ancelotti's contract includes an automatic renewal clause extending to 2030 if Brazil reaches next year's semifinals. If that happens yet post-2026 World Cup he wants to leave, Ancelotti must pay CBF a USD 1 million contract breach fine. Given that's how much he'll be paid each month, and given how much he's already amassed in UEFA, he probably won't be too bothered by having to pay CBF that much - although if he does lead Brazil to the semifinals at the very least, I would very much like him to remain for the 2030 World Cup.
Most players arrived last night, some more this morning: https://ge.globo.com/futebol/seleca...e-completa-para-inicio-da-era-ancelotti.ghtml The only ones left are the Champions League finalists, Beraldo, Carlos Augusto and Marquinhos, who will arrive later today.
Today's training session has started (video below is currently live, but if you're watching it later, it starts with the Copa do Brasil draw, training starts about 30 mins in): https://ge.globo.com/futebol/seleca...o-brasileira-com-grupo-ainda-incompleto.ghtml