New role? Ancelotti advises Neymar to change position
Brazil national team head coach Carlo Ancelotti is urging Neymar to switch positions on the pitch in order to regain his top form. The legendary Brazilian forward has missed out on the Selecao squad for the fourth time since Ancelotti’s appointment this summer, raising questions about his current fitness.
Ancelotti emphasized that modern football demands not only skill but also exceptional physical preparation and intensity. That’s why he recommends Neymar play closer to the center of attack, where there’s less defensive responsibility and more goal-scoring opportunities. According to the coach, the "false nine" role could be the optimal solution for the Brazilian star, as reported by Goal.
It’s worth noting that Neymar hasn’t played for the national team since October 2023, when he suffered a serious knee injury in a match against Uruguay. After a year-long recovery, he returned to Santos but is still struggling to find his best form.
Jan Novak
Dailysports's expert