Flamengo idol Zico digs at Ancelotti, wants Brazil call-up: “Decisive” | OneFootball

Zico wants Endrick to start for the Brazilian National Team

The greatest idol in the history of Flamengo, Zico speaks with authority about the Brazilian National Team. After all, the “Little Rooster” has three World Cups on his résumé. After the team’s 2026 debut against Morocco, the legend took a light jab at coach Carlo Ancelotti and called for Endrick to be included in the starting lineup for the next match, against Haiti, on Friday (19).

— I don’t see any player there with the same characteristics and personality as Endrick to fight through adversity. He has a good track record with the national team, he overcomes that on the field, and he is a decisive player. He is always alert to the opponent’s mistakes —, began Zico.

— I think Brazil played in a very predictable way. Everyone there just wanting to do their own job. There was no movement, no confusion for the opponent, no switching of positions. That shows a lack of chemistry —, said the Flamengo idol in an interview with ESPN, commenting on the team’s performance against Morocco.

WHO IS ENDRICK COMPETING WITH FOR A SPOT IN THE BRAZILIAN NATIONAL TEAM?

Against Morocco, Ancelotti chose Igor Thiago. However, the center forward did not make the most of the opportunity. Another possibility for the Brazilian National Team is to play with a ‘false 9.’ In that case, Matheus Cunha is an alternative. Despite the outcry from Zico and a large part of the fans, Endrick will hardly be a starter.

WHEN IS BRAZIL’S NEXT MATCH?

Brazil will only return to the field next Friday (19), against Haiti, at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time). The match will take place at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, United States of America. The clash is valid for Group C, which also includes Morocco and Scotland.

WHAT IS PEDRO PAULO CATONHO’S OPINION ON ENDRICK POSSIBLY STARTING?

— My No. 9 for the World Cup would be Pedro, without a doubt. Against Morocco, the Flamengo striker would have scored a couple of goals. But since the top scorer was not called up, I would indeed start Endrick. The kid has already shown that he has a special touch wearing the Brazilian National Team shirt and deserves a chance. There is no better match for him to get that opportunity than against Haiti —, began Pedro Paulo Catonho, a journalist for Coluna do Fla.

— Put the kid in, Ancelotti. If it doesn’t work out, take him off in the second half, around the 70th minute. But Endrick has shown that he deserves it. Age is not a problem. In the World Cup itself, several young players have stood out. Why is Brazil the only one not using its youngsters? —, he concluded.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.