Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotli has moved to allay fears from Barcelona and Real Madrid that their star players will be overworked during this international break.
Barca’s Raphinha was called up despite another injury-disrupted season while Madrid are also believed to be concerned that Vinicius Junior has had to travel to Asia for matches with Japan and Singapore.
But Ancelotti, who understands the demands on players at La Liga’s top clubs better than most after two spells in charge of Madrid, is adamant he won’t take any risks.
He said: “The priority is always the player’s health. If you’re at 100%, you train. If you’re at 100%, you play. And in this aspect, we control the minutes they play. The clubs can be calm with the national team. The priority for everyone is the health of the athlete. We always want the athlete to return prepared to play and without injuries.”
Brazil period of experimentation is coming to an end – Ancelotti
Ancelotti has named experimental squads since Brazil’s World Cup elimination against Norway in the round of 16. But he says this period of trying new players will come to an end after these two games.
“It’s a trial period that will end with this international break,” he said. “Next time, we will define the squad. It was a period that provided us with a lot of information about young players. We know now that we have very talented and committed young players, and that gives us confidence for the future. We have very high-level players. We have coverage in some positions, a little less in others, but we have time.”
While Ancelotti knows the Brazilian public have been patient over the past few months, he accepts results will be key as they start qualifying for the 2028 Copa America and the 2030 World Cup that follows.
The Italian said: ”We are dedicating all our efforts to make this period a success. It is a transitional stage for the national team, a time for new players to emerge, and that is the work we have to do. Fans must remain calm, because we are going to form a very strong group of players for the future.”
Raphinha defends Brazil commitment after criticism
Brazil take on Japan on Saturday before meeting Singapore on Tuesday.
Raphinha and Vinicius are both expected to start against the Blue Samurai with the Barcelona man having to defend himself against accusations of a lack of commitment to his country after suggesting his minutes would need to be managed.
Speaking to the media in Singapore on Friday, a visibly emotional Raphinha paused before saying: “At that moment, when they asked me the question and I answered, I thought I was being clear in what I wanted to say; at least in my head it seemed to me that I was. Taking into account everything I have been through in the last three international call-ups, with three injuries practically in the same area of the leg, what I meant was, simply, that I had to take care of myself. Obviously, I don’t want to get injured again. I want to be available not only for the national team, but also for Barcelona.”
The former Leeds man added: “From the first time I put on the national team shirt I have always made my willingness to be here very clear. I never resigned from the Brazilian national team and I always did my best to be present. Sometimes, I haven’t been able to come, but I’ve always done everything in my power to be here and wear the Seleçao shirt. For me, it has always been an honour and a privilege, and always will be. That’s not going to change, regardless of how long I’m here.”
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