Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil's head coach, announced the decision to end the cycle of players such as Neymar, Casemiro, and Danilo, emphasizing the need for a renewal in the team following their elimination in the round of 16 of the World Cup against Norway. This outcome, which occurred 24 days ago, has led Ancelotti to reflect on the mistakes made, particularly regarding substitutions that compromised the team's performance.
After a three-week period of reflection, which the Italian coach described as a “mourning,” Ancelotti returned to Brazil with the mission of planning the future of the national team. In an interview with Globoesporte, he stated that the elimination marked the end of a generation of veteran players, all over 30 years old, and that it is urgent to prepare a new team for future challenges, with the 2028 Copa América being the first major objective.
“With this World Cup, a generation of very important players comes to an end. Starting with Neymar. Moving on to Danilo, Casemiro,” Ancelotti declared, confirming the necessary transition in the national team. Despite promoting a new generation, the coach intends to retain some experienced players, such as Marquinhos, who can help continue the work that has already begun.
The upcoming friendly matches against Australia and India in September will serve as a platform to observe new talents. The head coach emphasized the importance of taking advantage of these opportunities to integrate lesser-known players and strengthen the connection with the under-20 national team. “We have to make the most of the friendlies we will have to see the new players,” he stated.
Regarding the elimination, Ancelotti described the defeat as “different” and “disappointing,” acknowledging that the management of the game fell short of expectations. He criticized the approach to ball possession, arguing that the playing style should be adapted to the characteristics of the available players. “The structure, the characteristics of the players are not suited for a possession game,” he explained, referring to the need for a more vertical style given the offensive talent present in the team.
Ancelotti admitted that his decision to alter the team's structure after the hydration break was a crucial mistake that resulted in losing control of the game. “The self-criticism I can make is that I changed the structure of the team after the hydration break and that’s when we lost control of the game,” he confessed, highlighting that Neymar's introduction aimed to regain that dynamic, but the change did not have the desired effect.
As the Brazilian national team prepares for a new era, the pressure to achieve positive results is increasing. Ancelotti's ability to shape the team from his experiences and learn from past failures will be crucial for success in upcoming competitions.
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