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Ancelotti came up with a quick crack after questions into the fitness of superstar Neymar ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Carlo Ancelotti, Neymar.
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti responded in hilarious fashion to constant queries into the fitness of superstar Neymar ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 slated to begin in June.
Brazilian star Neymar, who was named in the Selecao for the quadrennial to much fanfare, had sustained a calf injury and faces some time on the sidelines in the run up to the WC in USA, Canada and Mexico.
During a presser on Saturday, a reported quizzed, “If you were aware that Neymar’s injury was grade 2, would you have called him up for the World Cup?”.
Ancelotti responded in hilarious Italian fashion replied, “If my grandfather had wheels, he would be a car!”
Ancelotti remained hopeful of Neymar returning to fitness ahed of their WC opener against Morocco, despite having to miss the friendliest in the run up to the showpiece and asserted the star’s importance in Brazil’s pursuit of a sixth title.
“We expect Neymar to be fit for the first game against Morocco. If not, he will make the following game,” the decorated gaffer said.
Brazil, the nation that has lifted the most coveted trophy in world football a record five times—in 1958, 1962, 1970, 1994 and 2002—has been unable to recreate that glory since. They will now aim to end a wait of more than two decades when the global spectacle kicks off in the USA, Canada and Mexico in June.
The CBF, the Brazilian Football Confederation, have turned to the vastly experienced Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti in the hope of restoring the title to its spiritual home. The 66-year-old is expected to spare no effort in his pursuit of the World Cup crown.
Ancelotti’s track record is exceptional: he is the only manager to have won the UEFA Champions League five times, securing the title twice with AC Milan and three times with Real Madrid.
The football-obsessed nation will place their faith in the veteran manager to bring the biggest prize in sport back to Brazil after 24 years.
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