“I Won’t Have Invited Him”: Ancelotti Explodes After Brazil’s 2-1 Loss to France
FOXBOROUGH, MA — In a stunning post-match press conference following Brazil’s 2-1 defeat to France at Gillette Stadium, a visibly livid Carlo Ancelotti broke his usual “Mr. Calm” persona to launch a scathing attack on a senior member of his squad.
While the Seleção struggled collectively against a clinical French side led by Kylian Mbappé, Ancelotti singled out Casemiro for a performance he described as “shameful” and “lazy,” casting serious doubt on the Manchester United midfielder’s future with the national team.
The Breaking Point
The tension erupted after a match where Brazil appeared sluggish in transition, frequently overrun by France’s youthful midfield. Casemiro, who wore the captain’s armband for parts of the match, was substituted in the 84th minute for Gabriel Sara—a move that many saw as a tactical correction too late.
In the post-match briefing, Ancelotti didn’t mince words:
> “I’m totally disappointed in his performance yesterday. He contributed heavily to our loss. At this level, you cannot walk when the team is suffering. If I had known he was this lazy, I wouldn’t have invited him to this camp.”
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A Midfield in Meltdown
Statistical data from the match paints a grim picture for the United veteran. Casemiro struggled to contain the pace of France’s Hugo Ekitike and was caught out of position for the build-up to the second goal.
| Key Stat | Casemiro vs. France |
|—|—|
| Pass Accuracy | 72% |
| Duels Won | 3 of 11 |
| Possession Lost | 14 times |
| Distance Covered | Lowest among starting midfielders |
The “Neymar Shadow” Looming Large
The outburst comes at a high-pressure moment for Ancelotti. The Italian manager has already been under fire for his controversial decision to omit Neymar Jr. from this squad, citing fitness concerns. Fans at Gillette Stadium were heard chanting Neymar’s name as the team trailed, a sound that clearly agitated the coaching staff.
By blasting Casemiro—a pillar of the “old guard”—Ancelotti seems to be drawing a line in the sand. With the 2026 World Cup just months away, the message is clear: reputation no longer guarantees a plane ticket.
What’s Next for Casemiro?
The Manchester United star now flies back to England with his international career hanging by a thread. With Ancelotti promising “Carnival-style” energy and high-intensity football, the veteran’s lack of mobility has become a glaring liability.
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