Ancelotti urges Brazil’s new generation to play with joy

Ancelotti asks Brazil to rediscover the joy of football

Carlo Ancelotti has urged Brazil’s players to play with joy as the national team tries to move on from a difficult spell and build towards the 2028 Copa America and 2030 World Cup.

Brazil were eliminated in the round of 16 at this summer’s World Cup. The ensuing reset has included Neymar’s retirement after the tournament and the omission of Casemiro and Fabinho, while Ancelotti has given younger players more opportunities during the current international break.

Brazil drew 1-1 with Australia in Townsville and then won 4-2 in Brisbane in September. Raphinha was injured during the victory. Ancelotti’s side are now preparing to face India for the first time, in Kolkata on Saturday.

“It’s an opportunity” for younger players

“The joy of playing football is important to Brazilians,” Ancelotti said. He added that the pressure of a match can make players forget that football is “a sport” and “entertainment,” and said he wants them to play with happiness.

Ancelotti described the India fixture as another test for the team, but said he had told the young players that it should be viewed as an opportunity to demonstrate their quality, rather than as a test of their worth.

“All these defeats, this whole difficult period, serve as motivation for us to be a new generation of players who can compete with the best in the coming years,” he said.