Bruno Guimaraes will have his Newcastle United placed firmly to one side when Brazil face Japan tonight.
Carlo Ancelotti has urged Bruno Guimaraes and Co to “handle the pressure” as Brazil aim to navigate a tricky World Cup clash tonight.
The five-time world champions face underdogs Japan in the round of 32. If Brazil progresses through the next two stages, they could face England in the quarter-final.
Guimaraes has impressed with three assists so far - blocking out the noise around his Newcastle United future. Arsenal are understood to be expressing interest despite the Magpies issuing a firm “not-for-sale” stance last week.
Carlo Ancelotti press conference
For now, his attention is firmly fixed on dragging Brazil into the round of 32. Ancelotti has urged his players - including Guimaraes - to avoid unnecessary mind games.
"I won't repeat what others say,” he said. “We're focused on the match, on the opponent's qualities, on preparing well to avoid problems. That's what match preparation is about. We're not doing what they call in England 'mind games’. How do you say it in Portuguese? Mind games. We're not going there."
‘Handle the pressure’ - Carlo Ancelotti
Ancelotti is under no illusion that Brazil are the ones under pressure in Houston. He added: “We’ll need a very strong mentality. A lot of heart and clear ideas. We have to be ready for anything that can happen in a knockout match, because in these games, anything really can happen.
“I believe the team is ready, motivated, and confident. The last two matches went well, and we’ll be prepared for any situation. In the end, it’s still a football match, even if it’s part of an extraordinary event like the World Cup.
“You have to know how to handle the pressure by staying focused on what needs to be done on the pitch. We’ll have to take care of every aspect, both defensively and offensively, playing as a team. We’re facing a strong, organised, and quality opponent, so having clear ideas will be crucial.”
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