Carlo Ancelotti has named his first Brazil squad since the failed World Cup, and not everyone is happy.
The Italian has retired a number of key names from the summer tournament, including Neymar, Casemiro and Alisson Becker.
Another who won’t be playing for his country again is Thiago Silva, who even moved to Porto last season to try and get Ancelotti’s attention.
Now playing back in Brazil with Fluminense, he’s also given a stark critique of his former boss’s sweeping changes.
Thiago Silva’s stinging Ancelotti critique
“Do you want me to lie or tell the truth? You can’t dismiss someone who’s 31, 32, 33,” he told Rádio Tupi.
“I almost went to the World Cup at 41. You can’t dismiss someone who’s having a good moment.
“In the Brazilian National Team, things have to be slow. You can’t take everyone out and put in someone new. It has to be step by step.
“It’s very difficult to be a player for the Brazilian national team, it’s very different from a club.
“He comes from European football, which is easier. It doesn’t work like that here.
“You need to change and deliver results. And if possible, play well. I don’t like this kind of change. I don’t agree, but he’s the one in charge.”
Ancelotti’s Brazil exited the World Cup at the last 16 stage against Norway after an underwhelming tournament.
The legendary coach faced plenty of questions, and then announced a new approach.
Ancelotti retires Neymar and Co
In a media interview afterwards, he explained: “I think this World Cup marks the end of a generation of very important players.
“Starting with Neymar. Going through Danilo, Casemiro, all those players who were over 30 years old at the World Cup.
“We are going to map out new players who can enter, I’m not saying for the next World Cup in 2030, but who can already be competitive in the first objective, which is the Copa América in 2028.
“I’m not going to say I’m going to change all 26 players. We’re going to keep some important players who can continue the work, like Marquinhos, to name one.
“I think it’s important that they stay to give a sign of continuity to the work. But the idea is to change, to bring in a new generation.
“I already spoke with them after the World Cup. I spoke with some when we made the final decision and I will speak with them, I have no problem with anyone.
“I spoke with some during this period. Yesterday, Neymar was very clear in his statement that his time with the National Team is over, and this is a natural progression in a player’s career. Sooner or later, it ends.”
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