Ancelotti preaches respect for Japan and sees Neymar as a "false 9" option
The Brazilian team has completed its preparations to face Japan, in a decisive game in the round of 16 of the 2026 World Cup. Coach Carlo Ancelotti preached respect for his Asian opponents and indicated Neymar's possible participation in the duel.
The match takes place this Monday (29), at 2pm (Brasília time), at the NRG Stadium, in Houston, in the United States.
In an interview with CazéTV on the eve of the clash, Ancelotti minimized the Japanese coach's statements about Brazil's favoritism. He highlighted Japan's competitiveness and organization, highlighting the need for respect.
"We don't think (about what the Japanese coach said about favoritism). Japan is a competitive team, well organized, they have a very clear structure in defense and attack. We have to respect it, last year they had a very good result against us, against England. It's a very respectable team with a lot of quality", said the Italian.
Neymar as "false 9"
In the same interview, Ancelotti projected the use of Neymar. Although he did not confirm the playmaker's presence on the field, the coach indicated that he could use him in a more advanced attacking position, as a "false 9".
"Neymar is starting very well, he has only been training with the players for seven days. He can play in that position (false 9), I think it allows him to be in the game and can show his qualities, infiltrate passes, finish, appear in the area", said the coach.
In a press conference, Ancelotti was direct in stating that, depending on the context of the match, Neymar could play for more than 15 minutes. Against Scotland, number 10 played for 20 minutes, including stoppage time.
"Neymar is evolving very well, he has progressed a lot in the last week, he can play more than 15 minutes, that's fine, it depends a lot on the context of tomorrow's game", he concluded.
If they advance against Japan, the Brazilian team will face the winner of the clash between Norway and Ivory Coast in the quarterfinals.
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Source: CNN