Ancelotti makes Raphinha an offensive reference for Brisbane
Carlo Ancelotti, newly appointed coach of the Brazilian national team, has decided that Raphinha will not get a rest and will be used as a number 9 striker in the friendly this Tuesday in Brisbane, scheduled for 12:10 Spanish time, after having played the full 90 minutes in the 1‑1 draw against Australia.
Ancelotti backs Raphinha
The Italian took over the bench of the ‘canarinha’ after finishing his second spell at Real Madrid, and has described the trip to the Antipodes as very serious. He has turned the Barça forward into his main bulwark, although the blaugrana club shows concern about the wear he may accumulate.
Ancelotti plans to use Raphinha as a ‘9’ instead of Endrick, following Hansi Flick’s model, who places his striker as the focal point of the attack after scoring 14 goals in eight matches.
In the previous friendly in Townsville, Vinicius and Endrick left the pitch in the 65th minute, and Estevao (Chelsea) did so in the 76th, while Ancelotti kept Raphinha as an attacking midfielder until the end. The Brazilian’s presence proved decisive when he flicked the corner that led to Rayan’s goal in the 85th minute, averting defeat.
Raphinha competes for the spot with Australian Souttar, and the Brazilian press indicates that he, Vinicius and Bruno Guimaraes (Arsenal) are the only ones who will feature again in the starting eleven.
After Brazil’s elimination in the round of 16 against Norway, Ancelotti, whose contract with the national team runs until 2030, demands a reaction after the draw against the ‘aussies’.
Upcoming commitments
The next challenge will be the match in Brisbane on Tuesday, where Ancelotti will test Raphinha as a centre‑forward. In addition, on Saturday, October 3 at 16:00 there will be another friendly in Kolkata against India, with Raphinha as a major draw for the local fans, while Barça faces a tight schedule with Getafe, Galatasaray, Betis, PSG and Real Madrid.
The photograph by Jono Searle for EFE, taken by Sergi Solé, captures Raphinha greeting the crowd after the 1‑1 draw between Australia and Brazil.