Brazil’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti is still recovering from the side’s loss in the round of 16 match against Norway in the concluded FIFA World Cup 2026.
But he feels that it is important to closely watch youth division players and Brazil’s squad for the Los Angeles Olympics 2028.
“We don’t need to copy – we need to learn where we can improve. Some positions are well-covered, both in defence and attack. We are looking for improvement and development among the midfielders. And the Olympics could be a crucial moment (to find players),” he said at the headquarters of the Brazilian soccer confederation.
He then cited the example of Rayan, who was playing in the U-17 category earlier, and now represented the senior team in the global tournament.
“We are in contact with the U-15, U-17, and U-20 coaches to identify talent and track their progress, ensuring they are prepared for the next World Cup. Four years ago, Rayan was playing U-17. It is vital to look at youth development now so that by 2030 we have another generation of players progressing like him,” said Ancelotti.
Carlo Ancelotti expresses views on Neymar
Brazil’s star footballer Neymar, who made it to the World Cup squad despite fitness concerns, is not going to be in the coach’s plans going forward. Speaking about Neymar, Ancelotti said that he only has good things to say about him and also expressed disappointment for the 34-year-old footballer for not being able to be at 100 per cent during the FIFA World Cup 2026.
“That’s part of the natural trajectory of a great talent like Neymar. It is like it is for others who finish an important time with the national team. We spent little time together, but I have only good things to say. He was serious, professional, he helped in whichever way he could. Too bad he had this injury that did not allow him to be 100 per cent since the first game,” said the 67-year-old coach.
Ancelotti said his decision to coach Brazil until 2030 and reject an offer from the Italian soccer federation to take the same job in the same national team he played for “has nothing to do with contracts, it has to do with commitment”.
“The Brazilian soccer confederation has always supported me, especially after the defeat against Norway. The commitment I have is because of the reception I had here this year,” he said.
(With AP Inputs)
