Carlo Ancelotti has made it clear he won’t be picking names on reputation when he leads Brazil into the next World Cup, warning that both Neymar and Vinicius Junior must hit full fitness or risk being left at home.
Speaking to Brazilian outlet TV Record, the Italian said he wants players who are “at their absolute peak” in the months leading up to the tournament, and seemed almost fed up of discussing Neymar’s status.
“Neymar? He needs to be at 100%,” Ancelotti said. “There are so many very good players and I need to choose those who are at their top level. Not just Neymar, this goes for Vinicius as well. If Vinicius is at 90%, I’ll take someone else who is at 100%.”
There’s been long running concern around Neymar’s physical condition, with injuries wrecking most of his last two seasons. Ancelotti said the forward’s talent is “immense”, but admitted the constant setbacks have left him short of proper preparation.
“He was unlucky. He couldn’t prepare or be in good physical condition because of those injuries,” he said. “Right now, Neymar is on the same level as others, but he has shown an extraordinary level in the past.”
Interestingly, Ancelotti also singled out Estevão, Chelsea’s gifted youngster, as a genuine contender for the World Cup squad, which feels insane considering his age.
“Based on the last few months, he will be at the World Cup. He is very special, a different player. He is progressing very well at Chelsea.”
The manager also backed Vinicius to rediscover his best form with Real Madrid and hit the tournament “in top condition”, though the warning was fairly obvious big names won’t get freebies.
If Ancelotti sticks to his word, Brazil’s squad might end up looking more ruthless than glamorous, which is something the Seleção hasn’t always managed in past years.
