Mauro Júnior thanks Ancelotti, Vinícius and Magalhães after Brazilian debut

Mauro Júnior has placed both his recent Brazilian international period and the preparation for the Eredivisie resumption at PSV side by side. The 27‑year‑old right‑back made his debut on 25 September for the Seleção, came on a quarter of an hour before time for Douglas Santos against Australia (1‑1) and now has three internationals to his name.

An unforgettable start with the Seleção

After his substitute debut, Júnior earned a starting spot in the next training match on 29 September, in which Brazil won 2‑4. Then the team flew to Kolkata for a friendly match against India, which ended in a 0‑4 victory. Júnior began on the bench, came onto the field after an hour and stood out with a save on the goal line and an assist for Samuel Lino.

Learning experiences under Carlo Ancelotti

Júnior describes Carlo Ancelotti as a legendary and friendly coach who gave him a lot of confidence by putting him straight into the first match. “He said I had to stay high on the pitch and pass every ball, because we were 1‑0 down,” the player recalls. In the second game he received the advice to play smart because Vinícius Júnior would be coming for him.

The Brazilian has already worked with Vinícius Júnior several times in youth squads. “I defended and gave him the freedom to show his game,” Júnior explains. He adds that he was a midfielder back then, but now plays as a defender. About Gabriel Magalhães he says: “I have a good relationship with him; it was very, very nice.”

Back in the Netherlands, Júnior is focusing with PSV on the upcoming Eredivisie match against sc Heerenveen, which will be resumed on Friday. He emphasizes that the Brazilian experience has helped him adapt more quickly to the group dynamics under Ancelotti.