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Carlo Ancelotti has apologized to Joao Pedro after excluding the Chelsea striker from Brazil’s World Cup squad.
The Italian admitted several players deserved to be selected while the Seleção coach opted for experience, notably the return of Neymar.
Ancelotti addresses difficult Brazilian team decisions
Despite Pedro’s impressive Premier League campaign, Ancelotti opted for more experienced options for the Brazil national team for the upcoming World Cup. One of the most notable selections was the return of Neymar, who has had fitness issues over the past three years. Ancelotti admitted several players would be disappointed with the final squad list, with Pedro widely seen as one of the most unfortunate omissions following his strong form in England.
‘I’m sorry’
Speaking after announcing the squad, Ancelotti admitted the selection process had left some players unlucky. The Brazil boss publicly apologized to Pedro after leaving him for the upcoming World Cup.
“Some of the players who were with us this year will not be satisfied with this list,” Ancelotti told reporters. “I’m sorry and I want to thank everyone who was with us. Of course we are sad for Joao Pedro. For the season he had in Europe he probably deserved to be on this list, but unfortunately, with all possible conscience and respect, we chose another player. I’m really sorry for Joao Pedro and everyone else.”
Bittersweet Player of the Season honor
Just hours after the disappointment of the international snub, Chelsea confirmed that Pedro had been voted the club’s player of the season. The former Brighton man, who arrived in a £60million deal last summer, topped the fans’ vote, securing more than 60 per cent of the total to finish ahead of midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo.
The 24-year-old has been a revelation for the Blues, recording 15 goals and five assists in the Premier League alone. In doing so, he became only the sixth player in Chelsea history – after legends like Eden Hazard and Diego Costa – to reach 20 goals in his first top-flight campaign for the club. All competitions combined, this total amounts to an impressive 25 goals.
Attention turns again to club football
Pedro will now finish the season with Chelsea before the summer break, after being left out of Brazil’s World Cup plans. The Blues now prepare for their final two Premier League games, starting against Tottenham and then a trip to Sunderland as they look to qualify for European competition next season.
