Ancelotti encourages Brazil 'to play with joy' during difficult period

Carlo Ancelotti has encouraged his Brazil players to "play with joy" during a "difficult period" for the national team.

Brazil were knocked out in the round of 16 at the World Cup this summer, prompting Ancelotti to overhaul the squad in preparation for the 2028 Copa America and 2030 World Cup.

While record-scorer Neymar retired after the tournament, the likes of Casemiro and Fabinho were left out by Ancelotti, who has given more minutes to younger players during this international break.

Brazil faced Australia twice in September, drawing 1-1 in Townsville before winning 4-2 in Brisbane, though Raphinha did suffer an injury in the victory.

Ancelotti's side take on India for the first time on Saturday, and he wants his players to play without pressure in Kolkata.

"The joy of playing football is important to Brazilians," said Ancelotti.

"Happiness is a very important quality that Brazilians have as part of their culture. So, I would like the players to play with joy, with happiness.

"Because sometimes, with the pressure of the game, you forget what football is, that it's a sport, that it's entertainment. And you have to play with joy.

"The truth is that these are tests. We're going to do another test [against India].

"I spoke with all the young players who are going to play or played in the first game and told them that for them it's not a test, it's an opportunity to show the quality they can have. So they need to take all of this calmly because it's not a test for them.

"It's true, the last few years for the Brazilian national team haven't been very good. Since 2002, Brazil hasn't managed to win the World Cup.

"All these defeats, this whole difficult period, serve as motivation for us to be a new generation of players who can compete with the best in the coming years."