Marquinhos opens up on Brazil’s preparations for India clash in Kolkata
Marquinhos has earned 111 caps and scored 7 goals for the Brazil national football team!
Brazil captain Marquinhos has revealed that his side have paid close attention to India ahead of their international friendly in Kolkata.
Brazil are set to face India at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan on October 3. The game will be another opportunity for Carlo Ancelotti to assess his squad and continue preparations for the upcoming international cycle.
Speaking ahead of the fixture, Marquinhos singled out India captain and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu as a player who has caught Brazil’s attention.
The experienced defender explained that the Selecao have analysed India ahead of the encounter. Despite the difference in international experience between the two sides, Brazil are not taking their opponents lightly.
Marquinhos also discussed Brazil’s current squad and the importance of the international window. With several new faces involved, the team are working on building understanding and developing greater cohesion.
The Brazil captain believes the younger players have brought fresh energy to the squad. Integrating them into the group and creating a strong connection between the players will be important as Ancelotti continues shaping his side.
Brazil head into the fixture following their recent matches against Australia, including a 4-2 victory in Brisbane. The encounter against India will give Ancelotti another chance to assess his players in an international setting.
Brazil captain Marquinhos impressed by reception in India ahead of historic friendly
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The five-time world champions arrived in Kolkata to huge excitement, with Brazilian football enjoying a strong following among Indian fans. Marquinhos admitted that the reception has been special for the squad, particularly for players experiencing India for the first time.
The Paris Saint-Germain defender also highlighted the passion of Indian supporters and the connection they have maintained with the Brazilian national team over the years.
For Marquinhos, the visit is more than just another fixture in Brazil’s schedule. The overwhelming support has provided additional motivation to the squad and made the trip a memorable experience.
The friendly against India will also allow Brazil’s new-generation players to experience the affection of supporters in a country where the Selecao have a long-standing fanbase.
“I’m very happy to be here. You can see from all these people receiving us since yesterday, from the first day… we arrived with a very warm reception here.
Being here is also a way of thanking the Indian people… thanking them for all the affection and for following the Brazilian national team all these years…
If it is not the main fanbase that follows Brazil, the largest fanbase following Brazil outside of Brazil is certainly one of these here.”
Marquinhos on press room atmosphere and channeling enthusiasm
Brazil captain Marquinhos spoke about the atmosphere surrounding the team ahead of their international friendly against India in Kolkata.
The defender acknowledged the excitement around Brazil’s visit, with supporters and the media showing huge interest in the five-time World Cup winners. The enthusiasm has been evident since the squad arrived in the city.
For Marquinhos, the reception can provide additional motivation to the players. However, the Brazil captain believes the team must channel that energy in the right way and remain focused on its responsibilities on the pitch.
The atmosphere around the fixture has also created an opportunity for Brazil’s players to experience the passion of Indian football fans. The attention surrounding the team is particularly significant for players who are visiting India for the first time.
Brazil will now look to convert the excitement surrounding the fixture into a positive performance. With Carlo Ancelotti continuing to assess his squad, the game also provides an opportunity to build greater understanding among the players.
“We were in Australia in a press conference with 8 to 10 people, and coming here with so many people… I think rarely have I seen a press room so full.
We have to use that as motivation… use it as a boost so that we can utilize it in our match tomorrow…”
Marquinhos on treating every match as important
Brazil captain Marquinhos has stressed the importance of approaching every international match with the same level of seriousness, despite the fixture against India being a friendly.
The experienced defender believes there is no room for complacency when representing the national team. Every opportunity to wear the Brazil shirt carries significance, regardless of the status of the game.
Marquinhos’ approach reflects the expectations associated with playing for one of the most successful teams in international football. The defender wants Brazil to maintain their intensity and concentration throughout the match rather than treating the occasion as a routine friendly.
The fixture in Kolkata also provides Brazil with an opportunity to continue developing under Carlo Ancelotti. With the coach assessing different players and combinations, every match carries importance as the team works towards its long-term objectives.
Brazil will therefore look to approach the encounter against India with the same competitive mindset they would bring to a major international fixture.
For India, the match offers a chance to test themselves against a world-class opponent. The Blue Tigers will aim to make the most of the occasion when the two sides meet at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan.
“I also agree with Professor Ancelotti… here in the Brazilian national team there is really no such thing as a friendly. Every match we have to win, we have to play a great match…
Every match is very special. For all the years I’ve been here, every match for me I approach as if it were my first and last match for the Brazilian national team.”
Marquinhos on rebuilding after the World Cup and blending generations
Brazil captain Marquinhos has highlighted the importance of rebuilding the national team while successfully blending experienced players with the emerging generation.
Following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Brazil are entering a new phase under Carlo Ancelotti. The squad features a mixture of established names and younger players looking to establish themselves at international level.
Marquinhos believes this transition requires patience and cooperation within the group. Experienced players have an important role in helping younger teammates adapt to the demands of representing Brazil, while the new generation can bring fresh energy and different qualities to the squad.
The defender also stressed the importance of maintaining Brazil’s identity during the rebuilding process. Changes within the squad are natural, but the team must continue working towards a common objective.
For the senior players, leadership extends beyond performances on the pitch. Their experience can help guide younger members of the squad and create a positive environment as the team develops.
At the same time, the younger players must take responsibility for their opportunities and show their qualities when called upon.
With Ancelotti continuing to assess his options, the current international window provides valuable opportunities to test different combinations.
Marquinhos and his teammates will therefore look to use these matches to build understanding between the generations and lay the foundations for Brazil’s next cycle.
“We have a target further down the road, but we have primary objectives… which are really to regain confidence, regain playing well, and achieve big victories…
I’ve experienced certain things. This new generation will live through their own moments and draw their conclusions too… so I think this mix of experience and a new cycle of incoming players brings this motivation, this enthusiasm…”
Marquinhos on analysing and respecting the Indian national team
Brazil captain Marquinhos has highlighted the importance of analysing and respecting India ahead of their international friendly in Kolkata.
Despite Brazil’s status as one of the most successful teams in international football, the experienced defender stressed that the Selecao have prepared seriously for the encounter. The Brazilian camp has studied India’s strengths and the qualities of their players before the fixture.
Marquinhos’ approach reflects the importance of preparation, regardless of the opposition. Brazil’s players cannot afford to underestimate India and will need to remain focused throughout the match.
The defender also acknowledged the qualities within the Indian squad. Playing against a different style of opposition provides Brazil with an opportunity to adapt and test themselves in a new environment.
For India, the fixture represents a major occasion and an opportunity to compete against a world-class side. The Blue Tigers will be determined to make the most of their home advantage and challenge Brazil.
Brazil, meanwhile, will look to maintain their intensity while continuing to develop under Carlo Ancelotti. With the coach assessing different players and combinations, the game also carries significance for the team’s ongoing development.
Marquinhos and his teammates will therefore enter the contest with respect for their opponents, while focusing on executing their own game plan in front of what is expected to be a passionate Kolkata crowd.
“We are going to prepare very well for this match, analyzing the players, analyzing the opposing team… We know that their goalkeeper is going to play his 90th match for the Indian national team, so there are certainly players to respect on the other side…
That is how we like to show respect to our opponents… we will certainly prepare for this match in the best way possible to deliver a great game.”
Where to watch India vs Brazil live?
The India vs Brazil friendly will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network and streamed on SonyLIV. The match kicks off at 7:30 PM IST on October 3 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
Will Raphinha play against India?
No. Raphinha has been ruled out of the India clash after suffering a minor thigh injury during Brazil’s friendly against Australia. He has left the Brazil camp and returned to Barcelona for treatment.
Who is the head coach of Brazil?
Carlo Ancelotti is the head coach of the Brazil men’s national team. He was appointed to lead the Seleção and is in charge of the team for the India friendly.
When will India play Brazil
India will face Brazil on Saturday, October 3, 2026, at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium), Kolkata. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM IST.
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