Controversy Surrounds Brazil Coach Carlo Ancelotti’s Squad Selection
The Italian tactician leading the Brazil national team has recently sparked debate for his unexpected decision to field Barcelona’s star player in matches that held no impact on World Cup qualification standings.
Barcelona’s Frustration with Ancelotti’s Choices
Despite no longer managing the rival club Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti has drawn criticism from Barcelona’s camp. The coach opted to summon Raphinha for Brazil’s final two fixtures in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, even though the team had already secured their spot in the tournament, rendering these games inconsequential in terms of points.
Disparity in Player Call-Ups Raises Eyebrows
In contrast to Raphinha’s inclusion, Ancelotti excluded key Real Madrid players such as Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, and Éder Militão. These Madrid stars enjoyed a restful international break, while the Barcelona forward was subjected to demanding conditions. This discrepancy has fueled speculation that Ancelotti’s selection criteria may favor his former club, the “Los Blancos.”
Challenging Conditions in Bolivia Add to the Debate
Adding to the controversy, Raphinha was deployed in the grueling environment of Bolivia’s home stadium, situated at an altitude exceeding 4,000 meters above sea level. The 28-year-old winger appeared on the pitch for the last 30 minutes of Brazil’s narrow 1-0 defeat, enduring one of the toughest venues in South American football.
Barcelona’s Perspective on Ancelotti’s Decisions
From Barcelona’s viewpoint, Ancelotti’s approach to squad selection seems inconsistent and possibly biased. The Catalan club believes the coach applies different standards when choosing players from Spain’s two football giants, potentially giving preferential treatment to Real Madrid athletes.
“Raphinha’s frustration was palpable after having to compete at 4,100 meters above sea level,” reported Diario SPORT, highlighting the player’s discontent with the demanding conditions during the Bolivia match.
Contextualizing the Situation with Recent Trends
Such controversies are not uncommon in international football, where coaches’ club affiliations sometimes influence national team selections. For example, during the 2022 World Cup qualifiers, several national team coaches faced scrutiny for favoring players from clubs they had previously managed. This ongoing debate underscores the delicate balance between club loyalties and national team responsibilities.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 World Cup
As Brazil prepares for the upcoming World Cup in 2026, ensuring fair and strategic player utilization will be crucial. The team’s management must navigate these internal tensions carefully to maintain squad harmony and optimize performance on the world stage.