"They can call me if they want an explanation" - Ancelotti snubs Madrid players for national team call-up

The former Real Madrid manager recently announced the Seleção squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia.

The biggest surprise was Ancelotti's decision to omit all Real Madrid players from the squad, namely Vinícius Júnior, Rodrygo, Militão, and Endrick. Neymar was also left out. In contrast, Barcelona's Raphinha received a call-up.

The manager's choices sparked debate in Spain, with headlines noting, "None from Real, but one from Barcelona." However, "Don Carlo" clarified the situation.

"Real Madrid had a shorter pre-season due to their participation in the Club World Cup. That's why I left them all at their club," he explained. Vinícius Júnior is suspended for the first match, and Endrick is out due to injury.

And Neymar? "Neymar had a minor injury, and we don't need to test him. We all know Neymar: the coaches, the national team, and the fans. Like any player, he needs to be in good physical condition to be in the squad," Ancelotti stated, via GSP.

The Italian coach added that any of the unselected players seeking clarification can contact him directly: "If they want an explanation, they can call me. Rodrygo certainly has my number, and I believe Neymar does too."

Why two Asian teams? "Brazil has faced Japan and Korea at other World Cups, and they play a different brand of football. They have a distinct style, with players who run constantly and employ tight, man-to-man marking all over the pitch."

"It's very important for our players to face these challenges before the World Cup and be prepared for whatever may come in 2026," explained Rodrigo Caetano, the executive general coordinator of Brazil's men's national teams.