Professor Ancelotti, when asked about Neymar’s absence, replied that “I was waiting for extra time” and explained that he did not want to change the structure of the team because we had control of the game.
Of course, it could have been that for Professor Ancelotti… And, even if it wasn’t, victory usually ends any discussion.
But I kept thinking here… Knockout game, very tight score, leaving what he classifies as the team’s greatest historical talent on the bench to “wait for extra time” is, let’s say, to say the least… super bold, in my opinion.
If the game, as he said, was under control, why didn’t they put Neymar in to kill the game once and for all or provide more quality in the attack?
Was it really tactical or was there something behind the scenes/physical, for example? Or it could be for protection due to the drama of the match… or Neymar is not as ready as they say…
Perhaps Ancelotti is managing the group intelligently, showing that the team does not just depend on a name. But I confess that Neymar’s situation, since the call-up, has been marked by missed deadlines and unanswered doubts — such as not being included against Japan, with Professor Ancelotti saying he was waiting for the extension…
The next game will be Sunday.
Until next time.
