Carlo Ancelotti explains decision to leave Real Madrid star out of Brazil squad | OneFootball

Brazil national team head coach Carlo Ancelotti has provided an insight into the reasoning behind his decision not to include Real Madrid star Rodrygo in his latest squad.

Frontman Rodrygo is for his part fresh off his first start of the new campaign this past weekend.

After being left on the bench for the entirety of Real Madrid’s season opener against Osasuna, the 24-year-old was afforded a surprise start in Los Blancos’ La Liga meeting with Real Oviedo.

En route to an eventual 3-0 triumph for his side, Rodrygo enjoyed a solid-if-unspectacular outing on the left flank.

Fresh off as much, however, the attacker was made aware that he had not been named in Brazil’s squad for the upcoming September international break.

And as alluded to above, the man responsible for this call has since opened up on precisely why.

Drawn on Rodrygo’s absence from his squad during an appearance in front of the media early this week, ex-Real Madrid headmaster Carlo Ancelotti explained:

“Why didn’t I call up Rodrygo? I have a lot of love for him. Yesterday he played very well for Real Madrid. It was his first game after a long time, so he still has time to recover and return to the national team. A player who plays in the national team must be in 100% physical condition. This is a very important criteria. If a player is not 100%, I can call another one without any problem.”

Conor Laird – GSFN