Ancelotti reassures Barcelona over Raphinha ahead of Japan friendly

Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti has reassured clubs about the welfare of their players on international duty, while praising Raphinha’s form for both the national side and Barcelona.

Speaking at a news conference before Brazil’s friendly against Japan in Kalang, Singapore, Ancelotti said: “The priority is always to protect the player’s health. If he is able to play and is 100% fit, he will play. We will manage all the players’ minutes and assess their condition. We have the information needed to control how long each player is on the pitch.”

He added: “All clubs can feel reassured about their players being with the national team. We have a top-level staff and the priority is the players’ health. They will return to their clubs in good condition.”

Ancelotti also highlighted Raphinha’s performances, saying: “Raphinha is doing very well here and with his club Barcelona. He is showing exceptional quality with the Catalan team and can play for us as a striker.”

The Italian described Japan as a strong opponent ahead of the friendly on 14 November 2026.

“Japan are a highly competitive team,” he said. “They have shown in recent years how good they are in competitions and how they have developed. They proved that at the World Cup as well. They have excellent players and it will be a very tough match for us.”

Ancelotti said Brazil’s players were eager to take part, adding: “Everyone is happy to be here and wants to play. Wearing the Brazil shirt is a source of pride for everyone.”

He said Lucas Perri was developing well as a goalkeeper and had impressed with Torino, describing him as “another player within the group”.

Brazil carried out tests over the previous few days to identify which players were ready to feature. Ancelotti said they had made a “very good impression” on him, but he would not reveal the team he was considering selecting.

The manager said it was important for Brazil to have wide players capable of moving into midfield. He referred to his time at Real Madrid, where the approach worked well with Angel Di Maria, and said Joao Gomes could perform a similar role.

On changes made since the World Cup, Ancelotti said he had assessed the players afterwards and received highly positive results. Some players who had not been able to join the squad were still absent, but he was “very happy” with the group’s progress.

He added that the players needed no special encouragement to compete for Brazil and said the team possessed the talent required for the future. Experience, he said, could not be bought, while talent could not be manufactured.

Ancelotti acknowledged that criticism was normal during a transitional period involving new players. “We are working to build a strong group for the future,” he said.