Neymar Jr., player for the Brazilian National Team, during training at the Columbia Park Training Center. Photo: Rodolfo Buhrer/AGIF (Photo by Rodolfo Buhrer / AGIF / AGIF via AFP)
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has admitted Neymar is frustrated by his limited involvement at the FIFA World Cup but praised the veteran forward for maintaining a positive attitude and supporting his teammates.
Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer, has made only one substitute appearance at the tournament, featuring for the final 14 minutes of Brazil’s 3-0 group-stage victory over Scotland.
The 34-year-old is expected to start on the bench again when Brazil face Norway in Sunday’s Round of 16 clash at MetLife Stadium.
Speaking to Brazilian newspaper Folha de Sao Paulo, Ancelotti said Neymar has handled the situation with professionalism despite his disappointment.
“He’s not satisfied, but he’s behaving very well. He’s training very well. Neymar is very respectful, kind, and loved by his teammates,” Ancelotti said.
“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.”
Neymar entered the tournament recovering from a right calf injury, but Ancelotti said the former Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain star is now fit enough to play a full match if required.
“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 (the pitch),” the Italian said.
Brazil head into the knockout clash looking to end an unwanted record against Norway. The five-time world champions have never beaten the Scandinavians, drawing two and losing two of their previous four meetings.
They are also seeking their first World Cup knockout victory over a European nation since lifting the trophy in 2002.
“It’s always difficult, but we are confident we will play a good game,” Ancelotti said.
“They are a very well-organised team defensively, and their coach is doing a very good job in that area.
“We are prepared for anything that can happen. We may concede a goal, but we are prepared to react.”
