Carlo Ancelotti arrived tired at the Hard Rock Stadium on Tuesday night (23). After a delay of almost three hours on the Brazilian team’s flight from Newark, New Jersey, to Miami, the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) tried to cancel its match-eve interview, but was unable to convince FIFA (International Football Federation).
The Italian then, without hiding his exhaustion, spoke about his expectations for the clash with Scotland, on Wednesday night, in Group C of the World Cup. After a poor performance in the 1-1 draw with Morocco and an improvement in the 3-0 victory over fragile Haiti, he wants to maintain the growth curve.
“We are very committed to improving in this World Cup. We didn’t start well, the second game was better, and we are aware that the third game must be better. If we play well, we will be in a good position for the knockout stages that will come”, said the commander.
For him, the football presented in the first half of the duel with Haiti serves as a base. “I really liked the first half, because there was quality, effectiveness up front. We want to have quality in midfield again, a good start. Confirmation of what we showed in that first half could be very good for us.”
Ancelotti showed respect for Scotland, “a well-organized team, which usually plays 4-4-2, with many long balls”. He mentioned midfielders McTominay and McGinn by name and pointed out that, facing a physically strong opponent who constantly uses crosses, it will be necessary to pay attention to aerial plays.
Regarding the lineup to be adopted, he maintained the pattern of mystery that he has adopted since the beginning of the World Cup. Without striker Raphinha, he said he had “a very clear idea” of who the replacement would be, without naming him. When asked specifically about Rayan, he offered vague praise. The favorite for the vacancy is dribbler Luiz Henrique.
Finally, the Italian was asked about the experience of managing Brazil in a World Cup. He gave a friendly answer, before ending the interview and leaving for the green-yellow delegation’s hotel.
“It’s an honor to be on the bench for the national team. It’s a vivid experience. Very happy. I believe that until today it was perfect, we had a bit of a problem. It’s going to be beautiful, whatever happens. We are confident that it can be a good World Cup for us, but in football anything can happen. Regardless, it will be a very beautiful experience”, he said.
“Even if I have to do a press conference at nine o’clock at night.”
