Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has publicly admitted that Neymar was correct in his assessment of being excluded from the national team for technical reasons rather than fitness concerns. In a rare moment of tactical transparency, the Italian manager acknowledged the validity of his star player’s claims while defending his squad selection philosophy ahead of Brazil’s crucial World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia.
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Ancelotti’s Honest Admission
Speaking at a pre-match press conference before Brazil’s fixture against Chile, Ancelotti directly addressed the controversy surrounding Neymar’s omission. “He’s right, it’s a technical decision based on a lot of things,” the head coach candidly admitted, validating the Santos forward’s earlier statements that contradicted the official explanation.
This admission represents a significant shift from Ancelotti’s initial justification for leaving Brazil’s all-time leading scorer out of the squad. The coach had previously cited “a minor issue” and suggested that Neymar needed to be at full physical capacity for the World Cup, implying fitness concerns were the primary factor in his decision.
The Background: Conflicting Explanations
The controversy began when Ancelotti announced his 25-man squad for September’s World Cup qualifiers, notably excluding Neymar despite the player’s recent return to form with Santos. The Italian initially explained the omission by stating: “We all know Neymar. We need him at his best physically so he can help at the World Cup.”
However, Neymar publicly disputed this explanation after playing 90 minutes in Santos’ 0-0 draw against Fluminense. “It was a muscle edema, but nothing serious. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have played today or against Bahia the other day,” Neymar clarified. “If I was left out, it was a technical decision, it had nothing to do with my physical condition.”
| Timeline of Events | Date | Event |
|---|---|---|
| August 25, 2025 | Squad announcement | Ancelotti excludes Neymar, cites fitness |
| September 1, 2025 | Neymar’s response | Player contradicts injury claims |
| September 3, 2025 | Ancelotti’s admission | Coach confirms technical decision |
| September 5, 2025 | Chile match | Brazil play without Neymar |
Ancelotti’s Selection Philosophy Revealed
In his press conference admission, Ancelotti provided deeper insight into his selection philosophy, revealing the complex factors that influence his squad decisions. “I know what the player is doing and the problem he’s had,” Ancelotti explained, though he stopped short of detailing specific concerns about Neymar’s current situation.
The coach emphasized that his evaluation process extends beyond pure talent recognition. “No one can question Neymar’s technical level. What we’re evaluating is his physical condition. But not just his—everyone’s,” he stated, indicating that fitness assessments remain crucial even when making technical decisions.
Ancelotti further elaborated on the competitive nature of Brazil’s squad depth: “There’s a lot of competition. We have 70 players who could be in the national team.” This statement suggests that Neymar’s exclusion reflects not just individual circumstances but also the abundance of attacking talent available to the national team.
The World Cup Context
With Brazil having already secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup, Ancelotti has used these qualifiers as an opportunity to experiment and evaluate players who might contribute to the tournament squad. The coach revealed his strategic thinking: “I already have a consolidated group in mind for the World Cup. The biggest mistake would be to get the list of 26 wrong.”
This admission provides crucial context for understanding Neymar’s omission. Rather than focusing solely on immediate results in matches against Chile and Bolivia, Ancelotti appears to be making long-term decisions about his core group for the World Cup, potentially indicating concerns about Neymar’s role in that tournament.
The Technical Decision Explained
Ancelotti’s confirmation that the decision was “technical” rather than medical opens questions about what factors influenced his thinking. While he praised Neymar’s undisputed talent, the coach hinted at broader considerations affecting selection.
“Maybe there are players with less quality, but who adapt better and can be more effective for the team,” Ancelotti acknowledged, suggesting that tactical fit and team dynamics played significant roles in his decision-making process.
Squad Composition Analysis
The current Brazil squad reflects Ancelotti’s tactical preferences, with notable absences extending beyond Neymar. Real Madrid stars Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo were also excluded, though reportedly for different reasons related to managing their workload and the coach’s familiarity with their capabilities.
| Position | Selected Players | Notable Omissions |
|---|---|---|
| Forwards | Raphinha, Martinelli, João Pedro, Richarlison | Neymar, Vinícius Jr., Rodrygo |
| Midfielders | Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães, Lucas Paquetá | None major |
| Defenders | Marquinhos, Gabriel, Alex Sandro | Éder Militão |
The squad composition suggests Ancelotti prioritizes tactical balance and team cohesion over individual star power, even when that means excluding players of Neymar’s caliber.
Neymar’s Response and Future Implications
Despite the public disagreement with his coach, Neymar handled Ancelotti’s initial explanation with characteristic diplomacy. “It’s the coach’s decision. I respect it. I’m out, and now it’s my turn to support the national team,” the forward stated, maintaining professional conduct despite his obvious disappointment.
Ancelotti’s subsequent admission that Neymar was correct about the technical nature of the decision could potentially smooth relations between player and coach. The Italian’s willingness to acknowledge the accuracy of Neymar’s assessment suggests respect for the player’s perspective, even while maintaining his selection authority.
The Broader Context: Brazil’s Evolution
This incident reflects broader changes in Brazil’s national team dynamics under Ancelotti’s leadership. The coach has demonstrated willingness to make bold decisions, prioritizing what he perceives as best for team success over accommodating individual stars or managing public expectations.
The emphasis on physical condition alongside technical ability suggests Ancelotti’s approach draws from his extensive club management experience, where player fitness and tactical discipline often determine success in high-pressure environments.
Looking Forward: World Cup Implications
Ancelotti’s handling of the Neymar situation provides insight into his vision for Brazil’s World Cup campaign. His emphasis on having “a consolidated group in mind” suggests he’s already forming his core squad, with these qualifiers serving as final evaluations for remaining positions.
The coach’s admission about the technical nature of his decision also indicates that Neymar’s World Cup participation is not definitively ruled out, but will depend on factors beyond pure footballing ability. This could include tactical fit, physical condition, and integration with Ancelotti’s preferred system.
For Neymar, the challenge now becomes demonstrating not just individual excellence with Santos, but also addressing whatever technical concerns influenced Ancelotti’s decision. At 33, the forward’s international future increasingly depends on adapting to his coach’s specific requirements rather than relying solely on his undisputed talent.
The resolution of this situation—and Neymar’s potential path back to the national team—will likely influence Brazil’s attacking structure heading into the World Cup, making Ancelotti’s future squad decisions among the most closely watched in international football.
Read More: Neymar Reveals Truth Behind Brazil Squad Snub: Technical Reasons Not Injury
FAQs
What exactly did Carlo Ancelotti say about Neymar’s omission being technical?
Ancelotti stated: “He’s right, [his absence] is a technical decision based on many things. I know what the player is doing and the problems he’s had. No one can dispute Neymar’s technical level; what we’re evaluating is his physical condition, but not just his, but all the players’.”
What are Ancelotti’s requirements for Brazil national team selection?
According to Ancelotti: “Quality, being 100% physically fit, fitting in well and playing well for the team, not as an individual. There may be players with less quality, but who adapt better and can be more effective for the team.”
How does Ancelotti view Brazil’s World Cup prospects after 24 years without winning?
The coach emphasized: “It’s time for Brazil to win a World Cup. We have a huge responsibility in this regard. The CBF is working very hard to reach the World Cup in the best possible condition. Obviously, this increases the responsibility, but also the motivation.”
What is Ancelotti’s tactical approach for Brazil?
He explained: “We want to play intensely, be strong defensively, and move quickly with the ball. One of the most important things for me is to maintain balance and be strong defensively.”
How many players does Ancelotti consider for Brazil selection?
The coach revealed the depth of competition: “There’s a lot of competition; we have 70 players who could be in the national team,” highlighting the difficulty of squad selection decisions.
