brazil boss Carlo Ancelotli has moved to allay fears Barcelona i Real Madrid that their star players will be overloaded during this international hiatus.
Barca’s Raphinha was called up despite another injury-hit season, while Madrid are also believed to be concerned that Vinicius Junior has had to travel to Asia for games with Japan and Singapore.
But Ancelotti, who understands the demands of players at La Liga’s top clubs better than most after two spells in charge of Madrid, is adamant he will take no chances.
He said: “The priority is always the health of the player. If you are 100%, you train. If you are 100%, you play. And in that aspect, we control the minutes they play. Clubs can be calm about the selection. The priority for all is the health of the athlete. We want the athlete to always come back ready to play and without injuries.”
Brazil’s period of experimentation is coming to an end – Ancelotti
Ancelotti has named experimental squads ever since Elimination of Brazil in the World Cup against Norway in the round of 16. But he says this trial period for new players will end after these two games.
“It’s a trial period that will end this international rift,” he said. “Next time we will define the squad. It was a period that gave us a lot of information about young players. Now we know that we have very talented and committed young players, and this gives us confidence for the future. We have very high-level players. We have coverage in some positions, a little less in others, but we have time.”
While Ancelotti knows the Brazilian crowd have been patient in recent months, he accepts results will be key as they begin qualifying for the 2028 Copa America and the 2030 World Cup that follows.
The Italian said: “We are devoting all our efforts to make this period a success. It is a transitional stage for the national team, a time for the emergence of new players, and this is the work we have to do. The fans must remain calm, because we are going to form a very strong group of players for the future.”
Raphinha defends Brazil commitment after criticism
Brazil face Japan on Saturday before meeting Singapore on Tuesday.
Raphinha and Vinicius are expected to start against the Blue Samurai with the The Barcelona player must defend himself against accusations of a lack of commitment to his country after suggesting that his minutes should be managed.
Speaking to the media in Singapore on Friday, a visibly emotional Raphinha paused before saying: “At the time, when they asked me the question and I answered, I thought I was clear about what I wanted to say, at least in my head I thought I was. Considering everything I’ve been through in the last three international calls, with the last three international calls, with what was pretty much the same field, in the same area, it was pretty much what he had done to me. I had to take care of myself, obviously, I don’t want to get injured again, I want to be available not only for the national team, but also for Barcelona.
The former Leeds man added: “From the first time I put on the national team shirt I have always made it very clear that I want to be here. I never gave up on the Brazilian national team and I always did my best to be there. Sometimes, I couldn’t come, but I have always done everything in my power to be here and wear the Seleçao shirt, it has always been an honor and it has always been a privilege for me. That will not change, regardless of the weather that I’m here.”
