Manager “not a genius” but “100% sure he’s not a fool”; Neymar close to World Cup start
Carlo Ancelotti has defended his record after criticism from some Brazil supporters, saying only Sir Alex Ferguson has managed more matches than he has and is in the right position to advise him.
Brazil avoided a shock exit in the round of 32 by coming from behind to beat Japan 2-1, with Casemiro equalising before Gabriel Martinelli scored a stoppage-time winner to send Ancelotti’s side through.
Following criticism on social media, Ancelotti said his football knowledge should not be questioned
“In Italy, they say that all men want to be coaches and all women architects,” the Brazil manager said. “I don’t know if I understand football or not, but no one can judge me on this.
“The only thing that’s certain is that I’ve prepared for over 1,400 matches. That may not be enough to understand football, but it’s certainly a good amount of experience.
“Only one person has prepared more matches than me: Alex Ferguson, who has prepared for over 2,000. I take advice from everyone, but the only one who could really be the right person to give me advice is Alex Ferguson.
“I am 100% sure I am not a genius, but at the same time, I am 100% sure I am not a fool.”
Brazil face Norway on Sunday for a place in the quarter-finals. Neymar could start that game after Ancelotti confirmed the winger is now fit enough to play 90 minutes.
Injury has ruled Neymar out of nearly all four of Brazil’s matches so far. He has played only 15 minutes, coming on in the second half in the last group game against Scotland, but he has now fully recovered and Ancelotti admitted he wants a bigger role.
“He’s not happy about it, but he is taking it very well,” Ancelotti said. “He is training very well.”
