”“He has six months to make the final list and he needs to prove his performance,” manager Carlo Ancelotti said two weeks ago about Neymar’s aspirations to play in the next World Cup. And now, in an interview with the Esporte Record de Television Record, the Brazilian national team coach has made it clear once again: Talent alone is not enough. This is a powerful message for everyone who wants to board the last boat.
“He had an injury so he has to be 100%. There are a lot of very good players so we have to pick players who are 100%,” he explained. “It’s not just Neymar. It could also be Vinicius. If Vinicius is 90%, I would call on another player who is 100%, especially because this is a team with a very high level of competition in attack. In attack, we have a lot of very good players.”
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Neymar’s case is different. The Brazilian star has not played for Canarinha since sustaining an injury against Uruguay in October 2023, but is still pushing for a spot in the World Cup. Neymar has not been included in any of Carlo Ancelotti’s squads since he took over as manager last summer. The former Barcelona player has missed a total of eight games.
“I think he has great talent. It was unfortunate that he got injured while we were together. Because of the injury, he wasn’t ready to get fit. We’re in November…” he explained in his latest interview. “Neymar is on the same level as other players, considering that he has already shown extraordinary talent.”
