Martinelli hails Seleção mood, eyes Scotland: “Very tough game” | OneFootball

Forward Gabriel Martinelli described Brazil’s next World Cup match, against Scotland next Wednesday (24) in the third round of the group stage, as “very difficult.” In a press conference held this Monday (22) at The Ridge hotel in New Jersey, United States, he said the opponent “has quality players.”

“It will definitely be a very difficult game. They have a lot of quality players. (...) They will definitely come at us with everything to try to beat us, but we’ve been training hard and preparing as well. It’s going to be a great match, and I hope we can come away with the win,” said the No. 22.

Brazil lead Group C with four points. They are tied with Morocco on points, but are in first place on goal difference (3 to 1). And qualifying for the knockout stage in first place is one of the team’s goals, for logistical reasons and to help with the squad’s preparation.

“We want to go to Miami and win the game so we can qualify in first place. Staying here at the hotel with all the facilities we have is much better. If we qualify in second, we have to go to Mexico and that changes the whole schedule. Our mentality is to win and stay here because of all the benefits we have. The training center and the hotel are very good, and we have a lot here to do together,” he explained.

Gabriel Martinelli during a press conference for the Brazilian National Team in New JerseyCredits: Nelson Terme/CBF

Since arriving in the United States, the delegation has been based at The Ridge hotel, which has been reserved entirely for the national team and provides the structure and privacy needed for the coaching staff to work at their best. The venue is about 15 minutes away from Columbia Park Training Center, which belongs to the New York Red Bulls and was recently inaugurated.

Available to the coaching staff

A natural left winger, he said he is available to help the team and Mister Carlo Ancelotti in another position if needed. For example, he has already played on the right side of the attack for his club, Arsenal.

"Of course, it’s much easier for me to play on the left wing, get to the byline and cross, or cut inside a bit more to make space for the full-back to overlap. So it depends a lot on the formation and who is playing next to me. But if he asks me to play right-back, I’ll say, ‘of course, Mister,’” he joked.

Gabriel Martinelli during a press conference for the Brazilian National Team in New JerseyCredits: Nelson Terme/CBF

Positive atmosphere

Gabriel also highlighted the lighthearted atmosphere within the Brazilian National Team and its importance to Brazil’s performance at the World Cup.

“(...) Everyone is always together, joking around, teasing each other. That makes the atmosphere really light. It’s already been many days and, God willing, we’ll have another month until the final. We have to keep it up so time goes by. If everyone is doing well off the pitch, everything will work out,” he said.

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