Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti reveals position that will benefit Neymar

The Brazilian forward is hoping to be in Brazil’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad.

Neymar would benefit from playing as a false nine, according to Carlo Ancelotti, who also says the role might help him stay healthy while he competes for a spot in Brazil’s team.

Since appearing against Uruguay in October 2023, he has not played for his nation due to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

Since taking over in May, Ancelotti has not called him up; therefore, Neymar has missed all four international windows.

With 79 goals, Neymar is Brazil’s all-time top scorer. He has stated that he wants to represent the Selecao at the World Cup next year.

Ancelotti has expressed doubts about his fitness, citing his recuperation from a recent layoff as justification for not selecting him for the friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia in November.

Ancelotti reveals a change of position could help Neymar

The Italian coach has also expressed his wish to reinsert the player into Brazil’s lineup. He asserted that the 33-year-old may benefit from moving from a winger role to a more central position.

“Yes, yes, [the question I’ve heard most so far is] about Neymar, but it’s normal because he’s a legend of Brazilian football,” Carlo Ancelotti told PLACAR.

“So, it’s normal. I know everyone wants him to get back to his best physical condition. And also, the CBF, the coach, the technical staff of the national team hope that Neymar can return to his best level.”

“The truth is that today’s football demands many things. Not only talent, but also physical condition, intensity; hopefully, Neymar will be at his best level.”

“I think he needs to play more centrally, not as a winger, because wingers in today’s football are players you need to help defensively as well. When you play a little more centrally, the defensive work is much less than when you play as a winger.”

“And I also think that a very talented player, closer to the goal, has more opportunities to score goals. [False nine] could be his ideal position.”

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.