Carlo Ancelotti insists only Sir Alex Ferguson has managed more matches than him as he responds to critics while confirming Neymar is frustrated by his limited World Cup role but remains fully committed to Brazil.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has brushed aside criticism surrounding his credentials, insisting that only Sir Alex Ferguson has managed more matches than he has, while also revealing that Neymar is understandably frustrated by his limited involvement at the FIFA World Cup but has remained exemplary within the squad.
Brazil booked their place in the Round of 16 in dramatic fashion after coming from behind to beat Japan 2-1, with Casemiro cancelling the opener before Gabriel Martinelli struck a stoppage-time winner to set up a meeting with Norway on Sunday.
Image Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters The comeback drew widespread praise for Ancelotti, whose in-game adjustments helped rescue Brazil's campaign after social media criticism earlier in the tournament questioned whether the Italian was the right man to lead the five-time world champions.
Speaking to Folha de S. Paulo, Ancelotti responded with characteristic composure.
"In Italy, they say that all men want to be coaches and all women architects. I don't know if I understand football or not, but no one can judge me on this," he said.
"The only thing that's certain is that I've prepared for over 1,400 matches. That may not be enough to understand football, but it's certainly a good amount of experience."
The 66-year-old, who is managing a national team for the first time in his career after an illustrious club career across Europe, pointed to one man alone whom he believes surpasses his experience.
"Only one person has prepared more matches than me: Alex Ferguson, who has prepared for over 2,000. I take advice from everyone, but the only one who could really be the right person to give me advice is Alex Ferguson."
Ancelotti added: "I am 100% sure I am not a genius, but at the same time, I am 100% sure I am not a fool."
Image Credit: ReutersAttention has also turned to Neymar, who arrived at the tournament carrying a Grade 2 calf strain and missed Brazil's opening two group-stage matches.
The 79-goal Brazil record scorer has featured only sparingly since returning, something Ancelotti admitted has not pleased the forward.
"He's not satisfied, but he's behaving very well," Ancelotti said.
"He's training very well. Neymar is very respectful, kind, and loved by his teammates."
The Brazil coach stressed that the 34-year-old remains an integral part of the squad despite his reduced minutes.
"He's an important figure in the team because he has quality and he's a very humble person. I'm very happy with him. And, obviously, he wants to play, like he always has."
Ancelotti confirmed Neymar is now physically capable of playing a full match if required but said his game time will continue to depend on the team's needs.
"The important thing is that he can play. No one knows how long he will play. He has the experience to manage his minutes in the game and the tempo. When I see that the team needs him, I'll put him on."
Brazil's reward for overcoming Japan is a last-16 meeting with Norway, a side Ancelotti expects to pose a very different challenge.
He described Norway as an organised and physical team with experienced coaching staff, warning that their threat extends well beyond Manchester City striker Erling Haaland.
Having faced Haaland during his spells at Real Madrid and Napoli, Ancelotti labelled the Norwegian striker as "one of the best players in the world" but insisted Brazil would not assign a dedicated marker.
Instead, he stressed that protecting their penalty area would require a collective defensive effort, particularly against Norway's dangerous set-piece routines.
Image Credit: ReutersBrazil's players have also rallied behind their new coach since his appointment.
Teenage forward Endrick recently praised Ancelotti's influence, saying there "couldn't have been a better fit," while Douglas Santos credited the Italian's calm leadership for inspiring Brazil's comeback against Japan.
"The coach needs no introduction. We know his track record and just how much of a winner he is," Douglas Santos said.
"He instilled a sense of calm in us that gave us strength, gave us energy, and the confidence to come back for the second half knowing the quality we have."
The winner of Sunday's tie between Brazil and Norway will progress to the World Cup quarter-finals, where either co-hosts Mexico or England await.
