Ancelotti warns Neymar.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti affirmed that Neymar has no special privileges in the Brazilian national team and will only be a starter if he deserves it.

Neymar has been called up to the Brazilian national team.

After announcing the Brazilian squad for the 2026 World Cup, Carlo Ancelotti spent a lot of time talking about Neymar, the name that has generated the most debate in the "Selecao" lineup.

The Italian coach admitted that Neymar remains an important player for the Brazilian national team. However, he emphasized that the 34-year-old striker will have to compete fairly with every other member of the team.

"Neymar is an experienced player and will play an important role at the World Cup. But he has the same obligations as the other 25 players. Neymar can start, or he can be on the bench," Ancelotti said.

The former Real Madrid coach said he doesn't want to build the Brazilian national team around a single star. According to Ancelotti, the most important thing is that all players serve the common goal of the team.

"I don't want the stars to stand above the team. I want the players to be ready to help the Brazilian national team win," he emphasized.

Ancelotti also revealed plans to use Neymar in a more central role instead of on the wing as before. However, he affirmed that the former PSG and Barcelona star's position is not guaranteed.

"I think Neymar is best suited to playing more centrally. But I want to be clear and honest: he will play if he deserves it," the 66-year-old strategist shared.

Beyond his technical skills, Ancelotti hopes Neymar can have a positive impact in the dressing room thanks to his experience and influence over the younger players.

After years of upheaval due to injuries and declining form, the 2026 World Cup will likely be Neymar's "final dance" with the Brazilian national team. However, from Ancelotti's perspective, Neymar's fame is no longer a guarantee of a starting spot.

Source: https://znews.vn/ancelotti-canh-bao-neymar-post1652450.html