Mourinho criticises Neymar’s Brazil omission, compares forward to Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo | OneFootball

José Mourinho has condemned Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to leave Neymar out of Brazil’s recent friendlies, comparing the Santos No 10’s absence to Argentina overlooking Lionel Messi or Portugal omitting Cristiano Ronaldo. According to Diario Do Peixe, the Portuguese coach questioned why the forward was not selected.

Ancelotti has said the call was based on fitness, not form, insisting Neymar is not yet at 100% to compete at the highest level. He has not ruled out naming the forward in his final World Cup squad.

Mourinho argued Neymar should not be excluded unless there is a mutual agreement, describing the snub as a show of disrespect towards the player and calling the decision a mistake.

Despite his absence, Neymar remained a central talking point during Brazil’s 2-1 defeat to France in a friendly staged in the United States. Brazilian supporters chanted his name, particularly after Theo Hernández struck France’s second, with boos greeting parts of the team’s display.

Opinion over his omission remains split among fans and figures within the game, though there is an understanding internally that he could return if he reaches peak fitness in the coming weeks. The final World Cup squad will be unveiled on 19 May, and Neymar is seeking rhythm with Santos to force his way back into contention.

Source: Diario Do Peixe