Ancelotti Provides ‘Recipe’ for Neymar to Reach World Cup and Jokes About New Contract

Ancelotti then laid out a sort of schedule of what Neymar would need to do to make it to the World Cup. A ‘recipe’ to be followed until the March FIFA date, the last one before the final call-up. ‘He recovered from the injury he had. Now he has six months to play. The Brazilian league stops on December 7, but then he can take a vacation. Later, when the new Brazilian league starts, there’s time to showcase all his qualities and also his physical condition,’ added the manager. And the new contract with the CBF? A possible extension of the coach’s contract was also a topic of discussion. Rodrigo Caetano, the CBF’s national teams director, has expressed an intention to extend the Italian’s contract until 2030. Ancelotti joked about it and even ‘asked for a raise,’ eliciting laughter from the journalists. ‘No, it’s not being discussed, but it’s possible, it’s possible, because… Yes, it’s possible, because, as I said, I’m very comfortable here. I have no other ideas at the moment other than the Brazilian national team. To continue, you need two: the CBF and me. We’re not in a hurry to do this. I have no problem. The truth is that the contract before the World Cup is much cheaper, and after the World Cup, it could be much more expensive.’ Wesley to start in place of the injured Gabriel Magalhães ‘We’re thinking that we might make some changes to the team for tomorrow’s game, I want to evaluate today’s training, see how the players recovered from the Senegal game. All players are fine. Unfortunately, we had Gabriel’s injury, so Wesley will come in on the right side. We want to play well, continue with the same dynamic as the Senegal game, it was a beautiful game, we liked it, with attitude, quality, intensity. We want to repeat the same game with the same quality,’ said Ancelotti. What else did Ancelotti mention? Team Intensity ‘Intensity in modern football is very important, that’s what’s needed, but it’s not just about intensity. When it’s not possible, you have to read the game situation, which is very important. When the team is well positioned, it can press. When it’s not, it won’t press, and that’s having a good read of the situation.’ Europeans say ‘the monster has awakened’ ‘Normally, with a monster, you’re afraid, and that’s important. We haven’t awakened anything, we’re working to arrive in the best possible condition at the World Cup. We’re on the right path and that’s how we have to proceed. Until March, I can’t name the players, but I have complete confidence, and all clubs are doing a great job. I’m convinced that the players will arrive in great shape at the World Cup.’ Team’s Potential ‘I agree with what Marquinhos said. And everyone thinks this team has a lot of potential. Brazilians, Italians… We have to work to make everyone’s idea a reality at the World Cup.’ Luciano Juba ‘Luciano has had very good training sessions, showed all his qualities. We’re very pleased with him because he was serious, professional, showcased the quality he possesses. A very good player, with the ball, very intelligent, in the position, on the field. It’s an opportunity for him to play more and also to be at the World Cup. We’re happy with him.’ Versatility vs. Position Specialist ‘If a player can play in a different position, it’s better for him, more opportunities to be in the team. There are specialist players, and it’s much more difficult to change position. Actually, upfront we don’t have specialists, which can be a good or bad thing. It may be that we need a reference as a striker in some games, in some moments of the game. We have time to evaluate this and try to find a reference in the next six months.