Matheuzinho says Flamengo stint gave him thicker skin for Brazil pressure | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti has called up Corinthians full-back Matheuzinho, formerly of Flamengo, who says the weight of representing Brazil is different and greater.

"It is a very specific job. I have been at Flamengo and I am now at Corinthians, the two biggest supporter bases in Brazil. But coming here to represent Brazil is different. I think it is much more pressure, a much bigger responsibility," he told ESPN.

"Of course, having the experience of playing for the two biggest supporter bases in Brazil gives you a thicker skin when you arrive and helps you cope a bit better when you are playing, but the nerves still hit. You have to prepare mentally, you have to prepare. I think the most important thing is knowing you are here for a reason, because you are capable."

Ancelotti started Matheuzinho in the 1-1 draw with Australia on Friday 25. He played 90 minutes, made 11 defensive contributions and completed 53 of 62 passes, though amid a below-par Brazil display he struggled to stand out.

He joined Flamengo in 2019 from Londrina, with Flamengo paying around R$ 1.2 million for 80 percent of his economic rights.

At Flamengo he won three Cariocas, one Libertadores, one Copa do Brasil, one Brasileiro and one Supercopa do Brasil. He made 153 appearances, scoring four goals and providing 22 assists.

Brazil face Australia again on Tuesday 29 at 07:00 Brasília time at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, with coverage on Globo, SporTV and GE TV on YouTube.

Source: Coluna Do Fla

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”