Carlo Ancelotti, head coach of the Brazilian national team, stirred up social media after discussing Neymar’s potential inclusion in the World Cup squad during an interview with Reuters. The manager addressed the ongoing debate about whether the star player should be called up, calling it natural for everyone to have their own opinion.
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“Neymar is very loved. Not only by the people, but also by the players. If you call Neymar, you’re not putting a bomb in the locker room, because he is very popular, very loved. I think it’s normal for everyone to give their opinion. I thank everyone who gave me advice,” Ancelotti said.
The coach also noted that Neymar has improved significantly over the last 15 to 20 days, especially in terms of his physical condition.
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On social media, fans of the Seleção were divided—some believing the coach is being pressured by internet users, while others think the star will finally be called up.
Neymar is among the 55 players included by Ancelotti in the preliminary list sent to FIFA this week. The final 26-man squad for the World Cup will be announced at an event at the Museum of Tomorrow. Any replacements during the tournament must also come from this preliminary list.
Brazil’s World Cup debut is scheduled for June 13 against Morocco in New Jersey. Before that, the team will face Panama on May 31 at the Maracanã and Egypt on June 6 in Cleveland.
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