Neymar unhappy with World Cup role but 'respectful,' says Ancelotti

Neymar Jr., Brazil's all-time leading goalscorer, is experiencing a World Cup with a diminished role, making only one substitute appearance. Despite his unhappiness with limited playing time, coach Carlo Ancelotti reports that the 34-year-old player is handling the situation professionally and remains a positive force within the squad.

“

He’s not satisfied, but he’s behaving very well. He’s training very well. Neymar is very respectful, kind, and loved by his teammates.

"He’s not satisfied, but he’s behaving very well. He’s training very well. Neymar is very respectful, kind, and loved by his teammates," Ancelotti told Folha de Sao Paulo. "He’s an important figure in the team because he has quality, and he’s a very humble person. I’m very happy with him. And, obviously, he wants to play, like he always has."

“

He’s an important figure in the team because he has quality, and he’s a very humble person. I’m very happy with him. And, obviously, he wants to play, like he always has.

Neymar's World Cup journey began with a calf injury, but Ancelotti confirmed he is now fit for a full match. The coach indicated that Neymar's experience allows him to manage his minutes, and he will be deployed when the team's needs dictate. This comes as Brazil prepares to face Norway in the last-16, a match where they will aim to break a historical trend of not defeating European sides in World Cup knockout stages since their 2002 victory.

“

The important thing is that he can play. No one knows how long he will play. He has the experience to manage his minutes in the game and the tempo. When I see that the team needs him, I’ll put him on (the pitch).