Ancelotti starts Igor Thiago and Paquetá v Egypt to test “new option” | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti announced Igor Thiago and Lucas Paquetá as starters for the Brazilian National Team in this Saturday’s (6) friendly against Egypt, during a press conference on Friday morning (5) in New Jersey. The coach’s goal is to test “a new alternative” in Brazil’s final match before its World Cup debut.

“It’s the last match to run tests. Paquetá is an important player for us because he has different characteristics from the other midfielders. I want to test him and test Igor Thiago in tomorrow’s game. I think the system with the front four is already well established. I want to test a new alternative in this final test,” the coach said.

The duo already named for the match scored in the 6-2 rout of Panama at the Maracanã last Sunday (31), and will now have the chance to repay the Italian’s confidence. Ancelotti also confirmed left-back Douglas Santos among the starting 11 and said goalkeeper Weverton will play in the second half.

Carlo Ancelotti during a press conference for the Brazilian National Team in New JerseyCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

With a squad of players at different stages physically — some only recently returned from injury, others have just finished the season, and some had a longer period of inactivity before joining the Brazilian team — the coaching staff is keeping a close eye on the players’ workload management.

“Tomorrow, we have 11 changes, and I’ll use all 11 changes in the second half. It may be that some players need to play more, those coming back from previous injuries, like Raphinha, Bruno. I may give them a few more minutes, but everyone will play,” said Ancelotti, who also revealed that Gabriel Magalhães could be rested because he is "tired" after playing in the Champions League final for Arsenal.

Brazil and Egypt face each other this Saturday (6) at 7 p.m. Brasília time, at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland.

Carlo Ancelotti during a press conference for the Brazilian National Team in New JerseyCredits: Rafael Ribeiro/CBF

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