Fitness key for Neymars return to Brazil team, says coach Ancelotti
The 33-year-old Neymar has not played for the Brazil national team for two years with repeated injuries scuttling his ability to perform consistently.
New Delhi: Neymar must be at his peak fitness level for recall to the Brazil team, coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Monday, insisting that the injury-prone playmaker remains in his plans for the World Cup next year.
The 33-year-old Neymar has not played for the national team for two years with repeated injuries scuttling his ability to perform consistently since he returned to boyhood club Santos from Saudi Arabia's Al Hilal last year.
The former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward last played for the five-time champions in October 2023, when a serious knee ligament damage sidelined him for over a year and since then he has struggled for fitness in comeback attempts.
"Neymar can play at his highest level in this team without any problems. When he is in good physical condition, he has the quality to play not only in Brazil but in any team in the world because of his talent," the Italian coach said, as quoted by Reuters.
Ancelotti took charge in May and since then they have won thrice, drew once and lost once. They routed South Korea 5-0 last Friday and take on Japan in a friendly in Tokyo on Tuesday.
'Beautiful game'
Ancelotti praised Neymar's talent but also put emphasis on balance and teamwork.
"The Brazilian national team wants to play beautiful football and can play it, yes, but it depends on what you mean by beautiful game," he said.
"Of course, the players have individual quality and commitment. You have to play beautifully with the ball and also without the ball, which is an important aspect."
Under him, Brazil have conceded only once and netted nine times. Speaking of the team's progress, he said: ""Commitment and teamwork are essential. Playing beautifully is important, but the most important thing is to win."