“We don't have anyone like Paquetá”: Ancelotti on Brazil v Norway | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti still has not revealed who will replace Lucas Paquetá

The Brazilian National Team will have an important problem for the clash with Norway this Sunday (05), in the World Cup Round of 16. Without Lucas Paquetá, who suffered a grade 2 muscle injury in the back of his thigh, coach Carlo Ancelotti acknowledged the difficulty of finding a replacement with characteristics similar to those of the Flamengo midfielder.

— We do not have a player like Paquetá. Danilo is different, Martinelli is a winger, so… I have time to think. As people always say, I have already thought about it, I have already resolved the issue. At times like this, it is all about confidence. We do not have players in the squad with Lucas Paquetá’s quality. We have to replace him with other players. Danilo is different from Gabriel, who is different from Cunha, who is different from Éderson. We will take into account what is best for the team, knowing the opponent’s strengths — said Ancelotti in a pre-match press conference this Saturday (04).

WHAT ARE THE OPTIONS TO REPLACE PAQUETÁ?

Although he is still keeping the lineup a mystery, Ancelotti revealed which players could take on some of the roles performed by Paquetá, especially in defensive tracking back. However, as the Italian pointed out, none of them has the Flamengo midfielder’s style of play.

— At a defensive level, someone who can track back on the left when the team does not have the ball. When the team did not have the ball, Paquetá did that. Martinelli and Danilo (Santos) can do that. With the ball, you have to occupy the space well between the center and the left. That position can sometimes be occupied by Danilo Santos or Vini Jr. At the offensive level, it does not change. What changes is the player’s interpretation depending on his characteristics. Danilo is different from Martinelli — added the coach.

HOW DID PAQUETÁ GET INJURED?

Lucas Paquetá suffered a grade 2 muscle injury in the back of his thigh during Brazil’s 2-1 win over Japan last Monday (29), in the second round of the World Cup. After medical exams, the Brazilian National Team’s medical department confirmed that the midfielder is out of the Round of 16 match and will probably not be fit to return to the competition afterward.

SO, WHEN DOES THE BRAZILIAN NATIONAL TEAM FACE NORWAY?

Brazil and Norway face each other this Sunday (05) at MetLife Stadium, in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area, in the World Cup Round of 16. The national team is seeking a place in the quarterfinals, but will have to overcome the challenge without one of its main playmakers. Kickoff is at 5:00 p.m. (Brasília time), with full coverage from Coluna do Fla.

WHAT IS THE AUTHOR’S OPINION, AFTER ALL?

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