Ancelotti's First Brazil Squad: What Brazilians Really Think

Ancelotti's First Brazil Squad: What Brazilians Really Think

The anticipation surrounding Carlo Ancelotti's arrival as Brazil's national team coach was already sky-high, but his first squad announcement ignited a massive and multifaceted reaction across the sports world, both in Brazil and internationally. This initial selection wasn't just a list of names; it offered the first glimpse into the philosophy of the renowned Italian manager. It revealed boldness, strategic planning, and a clear intent to inject new life into the "Amarelinha."

Neymar's Omission: A Bold Move or a Necessary Call?

Undoubtedly, the most talked-about point in every sports discussion was Neymar's absence. Ancelotti's decision to leave the iconic number 10 out of his initial squad surprised many and divided opinions, yet the majority leaned towards supporting the coach's audacious move.

Journalists like Milton Neves (UOL Esporte / Band) were emphatic in their approval. For Neves, Ancelotti's decision was a "correct move that demonstrates the seriousness of the Italian's work" and a way to avoid "politics," prioritizing performance and team cohesion. This sentiment was widely shared on social media, where many fans saw the decision as a sign that Ancelotti won't bow to pressure from established names, focusing instead on players' physical condition and current form. Ancelotti himself explained that the decision was discussed with Neymar, who is recovering from an injury, aiming for his best preparation for the World Cup.

Paulo Vinicius Coelho (PVC - UOL Esporte / ESPN), known for his deep tactical analyses, praised Ancelotti's "wisdom." PVC highlighted the coach's ability to listen to his assistants, like Juan and Rodrigo Caetano, and to include players from the Brazilian Championship. This, he noted, demonstrates intelligent group management that goes beyond mere "superstarism." This approach, according to him, will be the main characteristic of the shift under the Italian's command.

Beyond Neymar: Youth, Experience, and a Keen Eye on Brazilian Talent

While Neymar was left out, the real stars of Ancelotti's first list were the young talents and unexpected names that injected a breath of fresh air into the national team.

The inclusion of Estêvão (Palmeiras), just 18 years old, was a major surprise and generated significant enthusiasm. The bet on the promising Palmeiras forward, who has been shining in Brazilian football, shows that Ancelotti is attentive to emerging talents within Brazil itself. Another notable addition was Andrey Santos (Strasbourg/Chelsea), indicating the value placed on young players already establishing themselves in top European leagues. The call-up of Hugo Souza (Corinthians) for the goalkeeper position was also a pleasant surprise, seen as a smart bet on homegrown talent.

At the same time, Ancelotti did not abandon experience or players he trusts. The returns of Casemiro (Manchester United) and Richarlison (Tottenham) were seen as smart choices to add solidity and leadership to the squad. Casemiro, in particular, worked with Ancelotti at Real Madrid, reinforcing the coach's confidence in his midfield command.

This blend of veterans and young prospects, with a keen eye on the Brasileirão (including Léo Ortiz, Danilo, Wesley, and Gerson from Flamengo, in addition to Estêvão and Hugo Souza), was praised by commentators. They viewed this strategy as an attempt to build a competitive team with long-term potential for renewal.

The "Ancelotti Factor": Renewed Hope for the Hexa?

Ancelotti's presentation and initial statements as Brazil's coach further fueled optimism. His calm demeanor, the declaration that it's an "honor and a great pride to lead the best national team in the world," and his message of "belief" resonated positively. International media, especially in Europe, extensively covered the "beginning of the Ancelotti era," highlighting his prestige and winning track record.

Alexandre Praetzel (Jovem Pan / Youtube) even stated that Ancelotti is "bigger than the Brazilian national team itself" in the current context, emphasizing the respect and credibility the coach commands simply by his presence. This sentiment reflects the widespread belief that the CBF has secured a top-tier coach whose reputation alone instills respect and elevates the national team's status, regardless of the specific players called up.

Challenges Ahead: From Optimism to On-Field Reality

Despite all the enthusiasm, journalists like Ana Thaís Matos (Globo / Sportv) raised some reservations. She expressed dissatisfaction with the "lack of novelty in certain sectors" and questioned Ancelotti's familiarity with Brazilian football, indicating that time and on-field results will be crucial for the consolidation of his work.

There's a consensus that while Ancelotti brings an "extra edge," the challenges are immense, especially in the World Cup Qualifiers, where the national team hasn't performed brilliantly. The upcoming matches against Ecuador and Paraguay will be vital for the coach to start building a solid foundation and adapt the team's playing style, which needs to become more proactive and competitive.

In essence, Carlo Ancelotti's first call-up was a watershed moment. It marked not just the beginning of a new era, but also signaled a national team that, under his command, will seek renewal with courage and strategic planning, all while maintaining the hope of winning the long-awaited sixth World Cup title.

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