Carlo Ancelotti says Casemiro will be ‘helping’ youngsters like Estevao with his ‘experience, knowledge and leadership’ after recalling the midfielder to the Brazilian national team.
The newly appointed Brazilian team manager reached Rio de Janeiro and addressed the press for the first time on Monday. concluding his second tenure as manager of Real Madrid .
The first foreign manager to lead Brazil, Ancelotti’s mission is simple: steer the nation to a sixth World Cup at next year’s eagerly anticipated tournament in Canada , Mexico and the United States .
Over the coming two weeks, the team will face off against Ecuador and Paraguay in their South American qualifiers, and Coach Ancelotti made several interesting selections for his initial roster. Notably, this marks Casemiro’s return from Manchester United after being away for about a year.
Nonetheless, there was no spot for ex-captain Neymar, Brazil’s top-goal scorer of all time, as he has not fully recovered from a hamstring injury.
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In Milan's squad of 25 players, Antony received recognition for his impressive performance during his time on loan at Real Betis, and Richarlison came back after Tottenham won the Europa League.
'I've got a substantial task in front of me. I'm thrilled; the challenge is immense,' Ancelotti stated at a press conference with journalists.
Ancelotti’s initial team since becoming Brazil’s coach
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians)
Defenders: Alex Sandro, Danilo, Leo Ortiz, Wesley (they all play for Flamengo), Alexsandro (who plays for Lille), Lucas Beraldo, Marquinhos (both of whom are with Paris Saint-Germain), Carlos Augusto (at Inter Milan), Vanderson (playing for Monaco)
Midfielders: Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Andrey Santos (Strasbourg), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Ederson (Atalanta), Gerson (Flamengo)
Forwards: Anthony (Real Betis), Estevar (Palmeiras/Chelsea), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Matheus Cunha (Wolves), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham), Vini Junior (Real Madrid)
'I've always felt a unique bond with this team.'
'We're set to work hard to make Brazil champions once more.'
'I feel privileged and thrilled to head the finest team globally.'
Ancelotti intended to bring Casemiro back into the team once it was evident he would be assuming his role as the head coach. , with the 65-year-old eager to bring more experience to the team.
In March 2023, Casemiro was appointed as the captain of Brazil, but he was later excluded from his nation’s squad for the 2024 Copa America following a period of subpar performances at Old Trafford.
Upon Casemiro’s comeback, Ancelotti stated: 'He is present because he has earned his place with his abilities.'
'Included among these traits are experience, knowledge, and leadership.'
The 33-year-old midfielder from United – who has earned 75 caps for Brazil – will serve as a mentor to Estevão, aged 18. is set to join Chelsea from Palmeiras later this summer .
'Estevao is here due to his caliber. Undoubtedly, linking up with younger players infuses him with enthusiasm, motivation, and zeal,' Ancelotti further stated.
'Experience yields wisdom, understanding contexts, and leadership. Within a team, all these elements must converge.'
'Estevao can assist Casemiro with his zeal. Casemiro can support Estevao with his mindset and dedication. It all comes down to how well they connect.'
Ancelotti steps into the role previously held by Dorival Junior, who was let go after Brazil suffered a 4-1 loss to their arch-rivals in Argentina in March.
Brazil sits at fourth place in the World Cup qualifiers with four games left in the current campaign.
The leading six countries earn direct entry into next year’s major tournament, and there is one inter-confederation playoff spot up for grabs specifically for CONMEBOL teams.
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