Ancelotti thanks Danilo, Alex Sandro, door open for Paquetá, Léo Pereira | OneFootball

Four Flamengo players were at the World Cup, but were left out of Carlo Ancelotti’s new squad list

Danilo, Alex Sandro, Lucas Paquetá and Léo Pereira were at the World Cup, but were left out of the new Brazil squad list. However, it may not be the end of the road for two of the Flamengo players with the Seleção.

Ancelotti thanked the players who have already said their cycle is over, such as Danilo and Alex Sandro. However, the coach said other veterans could still return in the future, which applies to Lucas Paquetá and Léo Pereira.

What did Ancelotti say about the players whose cycle has ended?

– First, I want to thank the players who have already decided they will not be with the national team in the future, thank them for their commitment when they were with us –, said the Italian, who added.

– And for everyone else, no door is closed, the door is open to everyone. Of course, right now I prefer to focus my work on the younger players and monitor their progress –, said Carlo Ancelotti at the press conference for the new squad announcement.

What did Ancelotti say about the new generation of call-ups?

– I chose these players, Marquinhos, Gabriel, Bruno, Vini, Raphinha to help with this generational change (…) That doesn’t mean other players won’t be involved –, said Brazil’s coach, who added:

– We prioritized youth and quality in these friendlies to get more complete information on all the players. But it may happen that when the competition arrives, players who are not on this list today will be on the final squad list for the tournaments –, said the Italian.

What did Danilo say after Brazil’s elimination from the World Cup?

– It’s natural because of my age, because of the demands of football. I turn 35 next week and, obviously, now I’ll always be in the front row as just another fan for those who continue –, said Danilo in the mixed zone after Brazil’s elimination by Norway in the World Cup round of 16.

Why did Danilo and Alex Sandro end their cycle with the national team?

In the week before the new squad announcement, Ancelotti had already included Neymar, Casemiro, Danilo and Alex Sandro on the list of players whose cycle had ended. The red-and-black defender took part in three World Cups, while the left back played in two.

Why do Lucas Paquetá and Léo Pereira still have a chance with the national team?

Lucas Paquetá is currently 28 and will be 33 during the 2030 World Cup. Therefore, the age of the red-and-black midfielder still allows for a full new cycle with the national team shirt.

Léo Pereira, meanwhile, is 30 and will be 34 at the next edition of the World Cup. Thus, the Fla center back also remains within the age window Ancelotti considers viable for the next cycle.

What changes with the call-up of Flamengo’s Pedro and Samuel Lino?

Pedro and Samuel Lino, of Flamengo, were called up for this FIFA international window, even though they did not play in the 2026 World Cup. In this way, the Italian coach reinforces his message about closely monitoring rising players in Brazilian football, including names from Mengão.

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