Carlo Ancelotti will take over as head coach of Brazil this summer, and a World Cup winner has delivered a blunt message regarding Neymar.
The Brazil national team is going through one of its most difficult periods in recent years, which is why they’ve turned to Carlo Ancelotti as a potential solution. The coach will leave Real Madrid at the end of the current season and shift his focus to this new challenge. In that context, a World Cup winner offered him a firm piece of advice concerning Neymar.
“The first thing he has to do is solve the Neymar problem,” Emmanuel Petit said when discussing the challenges Ancelotti will face in this next phase of his career, during a recent interview with Marca. “I think he needs to make a firm decision, and for me, Neymar is finished.”
Analyzing Brazil’s current situation, Petit pointed to the individual talent on the roster. “They have top players,” he said. However, he was quick to clarify that the issues go beyond individual performances. “This team needs unity. The results have been poor… They need to find the right balance and build that unity.”
The former French midfielder made it clear that despite the challenges Ancelotti is stepping into, he believes the coach made the right decision in taking the job. “It’s a good role for Ancelotti because he can spend more time with his family while coaching one of the most historic national teams in soccer. It’s a good move for both sides and a great way to end his career,” he said. And he acknowledged: “The expectations will be huge.”
Brazil face a tough road ahead
Despite Brazil’s recent inconsistency, they are still relatively well-positioned in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. With 21 points, they sit in fourth place, holding a six-point lead over Venezuela, who currently occupy the intercontinental playoff spot. With just four games remaining, Brazil’s qualification is almost secured.
Even so, Petit believes Ancelotti should keep his focus grounded for now and not look too far ahead. “Can he win the World Cup with Brazil? The first challenge will be to match Argentina, who have been by far the best team in recent years,” he said.
Who is Emmanuel Petit?
Petit’s comments carry weight given his distinguished playing career. He played professionally for 16 years between 1988 and 2004, starring for top European clubs such as AS Monaco, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea. During that time, he won major trophies including the French league title, the Premier League, and the FA Cup.
However, the most iconic chapter of Emmanuel Petit’s career came with the France national team. He earned 63 caps and scored 6 goals between 1990 and 2003, achieving historic success: he was a World Cup champion in 1998—scoring one of the goals in France’s 3–0 victory over Brazil in the final—and also won the Euro 2000 title.
From: bolavip.com
