Carlo Ancelotti explains why he snubbed Joao Pedro for Neymar in Brazil World Cup squad | OneFootball

Chelsea striker a shock snubbing as Selecao bring former great in from the cold

Carlo Ancelotti has explained why he did not include Joao Pedro in his Brazil squad for the World Cup, admitting the striker's form for Chelsea warranted inclusion.

Joao Pedro was the shock snub from the Selecao 26-man selection, seemingly overlooked in favour of Neymar despite twice playing for his country in March.

The Chelsea striker has scored 15 Premier League goals this season, a tally which rises to 20 across all competitions, which is only bettered by Erling Haaland, Igor Thiago and Antoine Semenyo. He was hours after his Brazil snubbing named Chelsea player of the season.

"Of course, we are sad for Joao Pedro," Ancelotti told reporters. "For the season he had in Europe, he probably deserved to be on this list, but unfortunately, with all possible awareness and respect, we chose another player.

"I feel very sorry for Joao Pedro and all the others."

Joao Pedro has since released a graceful statement, confirming he will support his international team-mates from afar.

Joao Pedro playing for Brazil in March

Getty

Neymar's name was cheered upon announcement at Monday night's press conference to confirm the squad, marking his first call-up under Ancelotti, who was appointed a year ago.

The Brazil great has struggled with form and fitness, since he tore his left ACL in his most recently international outing in October 2023.

"We evaluated Neymar throughout the year, and we saw that in this last period he played consistently and improved his physical condition. We think he is an important player, and he will be an important player in this World Cup.

"The evaluation for the whole year was solely based on the physical aspect, we talked about that. It was physical. In the last games, he played consistently. He may have the possibility of improving his physical condition before the first game of the Cup. He has that opportunity.

His experience in this type of competition, and the affection he has for the group, creating a better environment...

Carlo Ancelotti on Neymar

"In addition, his experience in this type of competition, and the affection he has for the group, creating a better environment within the group, helping the team, are all important factors.

"He has the same role and obligation as the other 25. He has the possibility of playing, of not playing, of being on the bench, of coming on as a substitute; he will have the same possibilities as the others.

"He is an experienced player. The truth is that in some positions, like goalkeeper, we prioritise experience a little more. That’s why we also called up Weverton from Gremio.

"Experienced players that we don’t need to treat, but whose value we know in this type of competition, they are used to it.

"I’m sorry that others aren’t here, like Bento and Hugo Souza. I'm very sorry, it makes me a little sad. But they will have, like other young players who aren’t on this list, like Andrey Santos and Joao Pedro, the opportunity to be part of the project for the next World Cup."