Carlo Ancelotti says Brazil prioritise youth after Thiago Silva criticism | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti has defended a youthful Brazil squad for upcoming friendlies in response to Thiago Silva’s complaint about overlooking older players, while insisting senior options are not excluded.

For matches against Australia on 25 and 29 September, then India on 3 October, he refreshed the list with many youngsters and uncapped players. “You cannot discard someone who is 31, 32, 33. I almost played the World Cup at 41,” he told Radio Tupi.

Speaking after Fluminense’s 2-0 win over Platense in the Copa Libertadores quarter-final first leg on Tuesday, Silva argued selections should be gradual and that in-form players should not be dropped. He said the national team differs from a club and that such overhauls might be easier in European football. He added he dislikes the changes and does not agree, though he accepts Ancelotti is in charge.

Ancelotti said he is focused on building the future, but noted that players aged 34 or 35 represent the present and, if ready for a major competition, could be selected. For now, he said the priority is to favour younger players.

Silva, 113 caps, last featured for Brazil on 9 December 2022, a World Cup quarter-final in Qatar against Croatia that finished 1-1 before a 4-3 defeat on penalties.

Source: L'Équipe

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