Ronaldo sees Neymar as key for Copa do Brasil, backs Ancelotti to succeed | OneFootball

A historic idol of the Brazilian National Team, Ronaldo Fenômeno spoke this Wednesday (17), during the inauguration of Casa Rede Ronaldo in São Paulo, about his expectations for the 2026 World Cup. The former striker emphasized the importance of the tournament as a "release valve" for the Brazilian people and placed Carlo Ancelotti as a key piece in the pursuit of the sixth championship.

"The expectation of dealing with the National Team is always very high, especially for our people, where we face problems daily. Football has always been a release valve and the World Cup generates this expectation due to the success we had in the past. Obviously, we will cheer a lot for the National Team and for Ancelotti to bring the Hexa with all his experience," said Ronaldo.

When asked about the team's dependence on Neymar, the Phenomenon was direct: he believes that Brazil can win with any squad, but sees the number 10 as a fundamental piece if he is in good condition.

"I think Brazil can achieve anything with the players it has available. But I believe that Neymar can be a very important piece for the World Cup and I will cheer for him to be 100% at the right time. I talk to him from time to time, and I notice that he has a strong desire to be at the Cup and to be able to help the National Team," he highlighted.

The statements come amid a scenario of special attention to the Santos striker. At the end of August, Neymar was left out of the National Team's call-up, something attributed by Carlo Ancelotti to a "technical option", despite doubts about his conditioning. Earlier this month, Brazil ended the Qualifiers with the worst campaign in its history, and Neymar's 100% presence is seen as a priority by the technical committee. The CBF has even been receiving constant medical reports from Santos about the player's physical evolution.

About Ancelotti, Ronaldo praised the arrival of the Italian coach at the helm of the National Team. "He is a wonderful guy, a team player, who will always harmonize and motivate. Not to mention that, tactically, he is brilliant, a winner. I think Ancelotti and the National Team have everything to go right," he said.

Finally, the Phenomenon advised Neymar to keep his focus on physical recovery and minimize criticism.

"He came from a serious injury, this readaptation is natural. I think what he receives is a bit exaggerated, but it's part of the expectation that is always on him. Neymar knows what needs to be done to be 100% at the Cup," he concluded.

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