Carlo Ancelotti: “We’re on the right track and where we should be”

Brazil national team coach Carlo Ancelotti showed calm, assurance, and confidence regarding the team’s preparation for the World Cup . In a press conference held this Monday (30) in Orlando (USA), he said he has a very clear idea of the work being done and stated that he already has Brazil’s lineup well defined for the team’s first match of the tournament, against Morocco.

“We are on the right path and at the right point. We have to improve, obviously. We are in a process; we need calm and composure. I have the lineup quite well defined for the first match and also the final squad list (it will be announced on May 18). We have a very clear idea of what we have to do at the World Cup ,” he said.

During the meeting with journalists, Ancelotti revealed one of the players called up for the World Cup in advance: Danilo, from Flamengo. He explained why.

“It is certain that Danilo will be on the final list. Because of his character, his personality, (his importance) as a player, and for being able to play in every position at the back.”

On the eve of the clash with Croatia (tomorrow, at 9 p.m. Brasília time, in Orlando), Ancelotti commented on the goal of these FIFA international window matches — the other was against France last week.

“The objective of the matches against France and Croatia was to test the starting team. The starting team is not (here) because of so many injuries. We got a good feeling from the players, and that increases the competition for the final list. The idea was not to use these matches as a trial. The idea was to test the starting team. We will have to find another way. We are in the right process. Criticism is normal. I am very clear that the most important thing is the result, but for us the most important result is the first match of the World Cup .”

Ancelotti did not hesitate to agree with a reporter when asked about the possibility of Brazil playing pragmatically at the World Cup .

“Yes, it is ready for that. The last two World Cups Brazil won (1994 and 2002), it won through a fantastic connection between talent and the defensive aspect. History speaks very clearly. For Brazil to win the World Cup , it has to have talent, and we do, and defend well. There is no other way. I am not convinced by attacking football alone.”

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.