Carlo Ancelotti, the head coach of Brazil’s national football team, has made headlines by excluding Lucas Paqueta, the former West Ham United midfielder, from the squad for upcoming friendly matches against France and Croatia. This decision comes just three months before the 2026 World Cup, raising concerns about Paqueta’s chances of participation in the tournament.
Ancelotti’s Assessment of Paqueta’s Situation
Ancelotti, known for his previous roles at top clubs like AC Milan, Chelsea, and Real Madrid, is a noted admirer of Paqueta. Following his return to Flamengo from West Ham United during the January transfer window, expectations were high. However, according to recent statements, Ancelotti has indicated that the midfielder’s current form is a concern.
“We have doubts regarding the defenders and midfielders,” Ancelotti said during a press conference. He emphasized the importance of evaluating all players, hinting that those not in the current selection could still make the final squad.
Competition for Places
As Paqueta struggles to find his footing in Flamengo, new competitors are emerging. Gabriel Sara from Galatasaray and Danilo from Botafogo are gaining attention, with experts noting their potential impact on Paqueta’s World Cup chances. Analyst Danilo Lavieri highlighted that Sara poses a significant challenge for Paqueta due to their similar playing styles.
- Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray)
- Danilo (Botafogo)
The Struggles of Paqueta
Despite being a record signing for Flamengo, Paqueta’s performance has been underwhelming. Reportedly, he has scored only three goals and provided no assists in nine appearances. A notable portion of his scoring came in a match against local team Madureira during the Rio State Championship.
Moreover, recent changes in Flamengo’s coaching staff have added to his challenges. Filipe Luis, who was instrumental in facilitating Paqueta’s return to Flamengo, has been replaced by Leonardo Jardim. In a sign of the ongoing issues, Jardim did not include Paqueta in his starting lineup for his managerial debut.
Ongoing Opportunities
Despite his exclusion, Ancelotti has reassured that Paqueta remains on the radar for the national team. However, the time for him to impress is limited. With upcoming matches serving as a crucial opportunity for many players, Paqueta must find a way to regain his form quickly.
As the focus turns to the World Cup, the pressure is on Paqueta to reestablish himself in both his club and national team. The coming months will be pivotal for his football career.
