Recently, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti gave an exclusive interview to the Canal Wamo YouTube channel, where he discussed the newly announced Brazil national team squad.
Host: Today, we are honored to have Mr. Carlo Ancelotti, the head coach of the Brazil national football team. First of all, Coach Ancelotti, I would like to thank you very much for coming and being willing to talk with us. This is truly a great honor for us.
Ancelotti: Thank you.
Host: I want to start by asking about today's squad announcement. There are many names on this list, as well as many new faces. Players like Léo Pereira, Danilo from Flamengo, Igor Thiago, and others will be receiving their first call-ups to the Brazil national team as the World Cup approaches. I'm wondering what factors you considered when selecting them?
Ancelotti: We have to take into account that at this point in time, we have some significant injuries—like Rodrygo's injury, Éder Militão's injury, Bruno Guimarães' injury, and Estêvão's injury—all of whom were in previous squads. Additionally, we need to consider the time factor: we only have 9 days for training and matches, which is very tight and high-intensity. Therefore, we prefer to call up players who are currently in good physical condition and playing regularly, such as Ibañez who is doing well in Saudi Arabia, or Bremer, Danilo, as well as Gabriel Sara and Endrick. This won't be the final squad, but an opportunity to observe other players to avoid making mistakes in the final list.
Host: I see. Well, there are three players in the squad whom you previously coached at Real Madrid, and they played crucial roles in winning many important honors: Rodrygo, Militão, and Vinícius Junior. Today, both Rodrygo and Militão are absent due to injuries. Rodrygo's injury is more serious—he has been confirmed to miss the World Cup entirely. I want to ask, you value team atmosphere very much, right? I want to know how this situation affects the team dynamics? Have you spoken with Rodrygo, especially after learning about his injury?
Ancelotti: I have spoken with Rodrygo. Obviously, he is very sad about missing the World Cup. But he will have another chance to participate in the next World Cup. He remains close to the team and to all of us. I believe he will play in the next World Cup. Currently, the atmosphere within the national team is very good—it's a professional environment with a high-quality and friendly atmosphere. So I'm very pleased with the atmosphere in the Brazil national team.
Host: As you mentioned, Endrick is a player you know very well—you coached him from a very young age. I'm wondering, in the current Brazil national team, do you think Endrick has reached the highest level he can achieve? Or does he still have room for improvement to truly have a chance to play for the national team at the World Cup?
Ancelotti: He certainly still has room for improvement because he is very young and clearly has time to develop, with great potential for progress. Endrick is already very talented and has been performing well at Lyon.
Host: Neymar is once again absent from this squad, and you haven't called him up yet. We know his physical condition hasn't reached 100%—that's a fact everyone is aware of. But I'm wondering, what are your expectations for Neymar when he fully recovers? What kind of contribution do you think he can make to the national team?
Ancelotti: With his quality and talent, just like he has done in the past. He was very important for the national team—not just for Brazil, but for any team—because he possesses extraordinary talent. The challenge is how to combine this talent with physical fitness. He has participated in many tournaments, both domestic and international.
Host: But this will be your first World Cup as a head coach, right? You were an assistant coach in 1994, but this will be your first time as the head coach. What do you expect to find different about this tournament compared to the championships you're used to
Ancelotti: The World Cup is a different tournament because it's a 30 to 40-day schedule where the team lives together in a concentrated environment. The environment is very important, the accommodation is important, and the connection between players is crucial. Of course, playing good football and achieving our goals are the most important things. I think we have a talented team in all positions. The key is to blend this talent to create a collective that can fight together with energy, focus, and a good attitude.
Host: Finally, you mentioned the word "confidence" just now. You are very confident right now, aren't you?
Ancelotti: Yes, I'm very confident.
Host: What makes you so confident right now?
Ancelotti: The quality of the team, the atmosphere within the Brazil national team, and the affection of the fans. Pressure is also a very important aspect—because without pressure, you can't achieve anything. Pressure is motivation; it keeps you sharp and fully prepared for the World Cup.
Host: We often hear the word "pressure" being portrayed as something negative.
Ancelotti: No, pressure isn't negative. Excessive pressure can be negative, but pressure itself is positive.
