Carlo Ancelotti Defends Brazil Rebuild After Thiago Silva Criticism
Carlo Ancelotti has defended Brazil’s youth-led rebuild after Thiago Silva criticised the removal of senior players from the national-team picture, insisting that fit veterans will still be selected for major competitions regardless of age.
The Brazil coach named a 26-man group for upcoming friendlies against Australia and India, with ten players based in Brazil included as he assesses options for the next cycle. Ancelotti said the current window is designed to test younger talent, but stressed that a player aged 34 or 35 would not be excluded if he is ready for a major tournament.
“This is a balanced squad for what we want from these friendlies,” Ancelotti said at CBF headquarters in Rio de Janeiro. “Age is not usually something I consider. Young players are the priority now, but an older player who is prepared for an important competition will be with the national team.”
Asked about Silva’s criticism, Ancelotti gave a curt response before outlining his plans: “I don’t look.”
Silva urges a gradual transition
Silva, a 113-cap Brazil international, believes the overhaul has moved too quickly following Brazil’s last-16 World Cup exit. The defender was left out of the recent World Cup squad despite an impressive loan period with FC Porto, and argued that players in their early thirties should not be written off.
After helping Fluminense beat Platense in the Copa Libertadores, Silva said Brazil needed a more measured succession plan. “You cannot simply exclude players who are 31, 32 or 33,” he said. “With Brazil, the process must happen gradually. You cannot remove everybody and replace them all at once.”
The former PSG captain also suggested Ancelotti’s European experience had shaped his approach. “He is used to European football, where changes can be made more easily,” Silva said. “Brazil is different. I do not agree, although he is the coach.”
The disagreement comes despite a successful spell together at Paris Saint-Germain in 2012-13. Ancelotti once described Silva as the world’s finest defender, with the Brazilian making 34 appearances during that campaign.
Ancelotti has handed first senior Brazil selections to ten uncapped players under 30. Goalkeepers Hugo Souza, Pedro Morisco and Otavio are included, while Arthur Dias, Jair, Mauro Junior, Matheuzinho and Manchester City defender Vitor Reis have been called up in defence.
Midfielders Breno Bidon and Gabriel Bontempo complete the new additions, joining established attacking names including Vinicius Junior, Endrick, Estevao and Raphinha.
Brazil play Australia on September 25 and September 29, then travel to Kolkata to face India on October 3 as Ancelotti’s new-look squad begins its next test.
