Brazilian football icon Ronaldo has raised eyebrows regarding Carlo Ancelotti's tactical decisions following the national team's lackluster start in the World Cup. The legendary striker specifically criticized the utilization of Barcelona's Raphinha and highlighted technical errors stemming from nerves during the goalless draw against Morocco.
Having played under Ancelotti during his tenure at AC Milan, Ronaldo expressed confusion over the positioning of critical players in Brazil's initial World Cup match. Speaking on ESPN Brasil's 'Resenha da Copa' ahead of the clash against Haiti, Ronaldo, affectionately known as O Fenomeno, voiced particular concern about Raphinha's placement on the left wing, despite the winger's impressive performances at Barcelona, where he thrives in a right-wing role.
“Why place Raphinha on the left when he has had an outstanding year at Barcelona on the right? Some decisions were puzzling, although things did start to improve in the second half,” Ronaldo remarked. The two-time Ballon d'Or winner emphasized that positioning Raphinha incorrectly diminishes Brazil's natural width and attacking threat, a quality that has made him a standout player at the Spotify Camp Nou.
While Ronaldo critiqued the tactical setup, he also recognized that the psychological burden of a World Cup opener likely affected individual performances. He noted that even seasoned players like Casemiro seemed to struggle with the game's tempo, pointing to uncharacteristic technical mistakes as signs of collective anxiety. “I remain very optimistic. I think it was the pressure of the first game. It’s unusual to see so many missed passes, especially in the first half. Casemiro positioning himself to receive the ball with his back turned? Nervousness clearly impacted the Brazilian national team. After watching Ancelotti and the players acknowledging this nervousness, I felt reassured. It's understandable, right? A World Cup is a big deal, especially for newcomers,” Ronaldo explained.
Looking forward to the upcoming game against Haiti, Ronaldo suggested that a change on the right wing is crucial to provide the necessary width that Brazil's attack lacked in their opening match. He pointed to Botafogo's Luiz Henrique as a potential solution to alleviate the congestion in midfield. “I’m not sure if [Ancelotti] will implement this change, but I would consider it. Luiz Henrique performed well and provided width on the right. [Lucas] Paqueta and Raphinha struggled to create space like Vinicius did on the opposite side. Opening up the game is essential for Brazil to find more space, which benefits us in any context. This small adjustment could make a significant difference,” the iconic forward asserted.
Despite his calls for tactical changes, Ronaldo was quick to commend Morocco for their disciplined performance, showcasing total confidence in Ancelotti’s capability to navigate the Selecao back to winning ways. “We also need to acknowledge Morocco. They played an interesting game with remarkable speed and strength; they are a well-organized team. We faced a formidable opponent. I believe [Ancelotti] is a phenomenal coach with extensive experience, adept at engaging with players. He will address the issues we observed, and I am certain he will make the necessary corrections,” Ronaldo concluded.
As reported by goal.com.
