Carlo Ancelotti has come in for criticism for not including Neymar in his latest Brazil squad
Carlo Ancelotti played a customary straight bat to questions relating to Neymar’s absence from the Brazil squad which has placed his World Cup dream in jeopardy.
Ancelotti opted not to include the country’s record goalscorer in the group for tomorrow night’s international friendly with France and next week’s clash with Croatia due to ongoing concern around the player’s fitness.
Neymar spoke last week of his “upset and sadness” at not being selected but vowed to continue the fight to prove himself to Ancelotti before the World Cup squad is named on May 18.
Asked about the Santos striker today, Ancelotti said: “I observe and hear everything that is said about Neymar. It’s normal. Everyone can have an opinion on football. There is no clear science. I have to respect everyone’s opinion.”
Neymar omission blasted by two former Brazil strikers
Ancelotti has come in for stinging criticism for ignoring 34-year-old Neymar with two Brazil legends, Romario and Ronaldo, suggesting the former Real Madrid boss was wrong.
Romario, who is now a politician in Rio de Janeiro, said: “A star player has to play. The national team is the place for the best and most talented players. Preparation for the World Cup lasts a month and that’s sufficient time for an athlete to recover, both physically and technically, to gain match rhythm and to build chemistry with the group.
“It is better to have a star player like Neymar, even when he is not at 100 per cent, than to call up any other player. Talent must not be wasted. And a coach can never do without it. I still hold out hope of seeing Neymar prove on the pitch he deserves to be on the final list and bring home the sixth world title. Of course I will support the team, whatever happens. But the message is clear: Pay attention Carlo Ancelotti.”
Ronaldo says Neymar’s experience would be key in the United States, Canada and Mexico, even if he was not able to play every game.
“If Neymar is physically fit, I would take him to the World Cup,” he said. “Perhaps he will not play every match, but he is a player who has already proven his worth everywhere he has been.”
Neymar has not played for Brazil since October 2023, when he tore the ACL and meniscus in his left knee.
