Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti says Neymar is unhappy that he has had a limited role at the World Cup, but he has handled it professionally and continues to contribute positively within the squad. In comments carried by AFP and published via outlets including Folha de Sao Paulo, Ancelotti says Neymar is “not satisfied” but is behaving well, training effectively, and is respected by teammates. Neymar, 34, has appeared as a substitute just once at his fourth World Cup, coming on for the final 14 minutes of Brazil’s 3–0 win over Scotland in the group stage. He is reportedly likely to start on the bench again for Brazil’s last-16 match against Norway on Sunday at MetLife Stadium. Ancelotti also addresses fitness concerns, noting Neymar arrived with a right calf injury but is capable of playing a full match if needed, with decisions based on the team’s requirements during the game. Brazil and Norway have met four times previously, with Brazil not winning any of those matches; the teams have recorded two draws and two losses for Brazil. Ancelotti adds that Brazil have not beaten a European side in a World Cup knockout match since 2002, and Norway are described as defensively well-organized.
Ancelotti says Neymar is unhappy with limited World Cup role but remains professional
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti says Neymar is unhappy that he has had a limited role at the World Cup, but he has handled it professionally and continues to contribute positively within the squad. In co...
- Ancelotti says Neymar is unhappy with his limited World Cup playing role but is behaving professionally.
- Neymar, 34, has made only one substitute appearance at his fourth World Cup, playing the final 14 minutes vs Scotland in a 3–0 group-stage win.
- Brazil coach says Neymar is likely to be on the bench again for the last-16 match against Norway at MetLife Stadium.
- Ancelotti says Neymar arrived with a right calf injury but is capable of playing a full match if required.
- Ancelotti states Brazil have never beaten Norway in four previous meetings and have not beaten a European side in a World Cup knockout match since 2002.
BASKING RIDGE, United States (AFP) — Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said Neymar is unhappy he has had such a limited role at the World Cup but has handled the situation professionally and remains a positive influence within the squad. The country's all-time leading goal scorer has made just one substitute appearance at his fourth World Cup, playing the final 14 minutes of Brazil's 3-0 win over Scotland in the group stage. Neymar, 34, is again likely to be on the bench for Sunday's last-16 match against Norway at MetLife Stadium. "He's not satisfied, but he's behaving very well. He's training very well. Neymar is very respectful, kind, and loved by his teammates," Ancelotti told Brazilian newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo in an interview published on Friday. "He's an important figure in the team because he has quality and he's a very humble person. I'm very happy with him. And, obviously, he wants to play, like he always has." Neymar arrived at the tournament with a right calf injury. Ancelotti insisted that Neymar is now capable of playing a full match, easing doubts over the fitness of the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star. "The important thing is that he can play. No one knows how long he will play. He has the experience to manage his minutes in the game and the tempo. When I see that the team needs him, I'll put him on (the pitch)," said the Italian. Brazil have never beaten Norway, drawing two and losing two of their four previous meetings. They have also not defeated a European side in a World Cup knockout match since winning the tournament in 2002. "It's always difficult, but we are confident we will play a good game," Ancelotti said. "They are a very well-organised team defensively and their coach is doing a very good job in that area. "We are prepared for anything that can happen. We may concede a goal, but we are prepared to react."
4 hours agoBrazil coach Ancelotti reveals Neymar is unhappy with his limited World Cup role but remains professional. Get the latest on Neymar’s fitness and Brazil’s Read More: https://punchng.com/neymar-unhappy-with-world-cup-role-but-respectful-says-ancelotti/
6 hours agoNeymar, 34, is again likely to be on the bench for Sunday's last-16 match against Norway at MetLife Stadium. The post Neymar unhappy with World Cup role but ‘respectful’ – Ancelotti appeared first on Vanguard News.
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