Ancelotti backs new faces in the squad, admits tough choices for Copa list | OneFootball

Coach Carlo Ancelotti took advantage of this Thursday’s match against Chile at the Maracanã, part of the South American Qualifiers, to test some players with an eye on the 2026 World Cup. After the 3-0 victory, the Italian manager left satisfied with the performance of his chosen players.

“I think we have a very strong group of regular players, so to speak. Then, there are many others. I am sure that making a list of 26 players is very complicated for this national team. Maybe other coaches will have less difficulty than I might have in the coming months, but all of this is very positive,” said Ancelotti.

Against Chile, the national team coach bet on Estêvão and João Pedro as starters. In the second half, he brought on Lucas Paquetá, Luiz Henrique, Andrey Santos, Kaio Jorge, and Richarlison.

“The new names today pleased me a lot. I really liked those who came into the game, they changed the pace of the match, I am very satisfied with today’s game,” said the Italian coach.

“The idea was to put fresher players on the field who could help the team maintain a high game rhythm. Paquetá, Luiz Henrique, Kaio Jorge worked very well to help the team. That’s what I need from the players who come on,” he added.

In his first three games in charge of the Brazilian National Team, Carlo Ancelotti boasts the fact that the team has not yet conceded any goals. The Seleção drew 0-0 with Ecuador, beat Paraguay 1-0, and now Chile 3-0, a path he hopes to continue on the way to the World Cup.

“In these three games you can see the foundation, a compact team that defends well. In all three matches we defended well, and obviously the individual quality of all the players makes the difference for us. We have to continue along this path, because I am convinced that keeping a clean sheet, as the team has done in these three games, gives us a great chance of winning matches,” he concluded.

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