Ancelotti responds to Real Madrid and Barcelona

Ancelotti assured European clubs their players will be protected during Brazil's friendlies in Asia, prioritising health and managing minutes carefully.

Carlo Ancelotti, Brazil manager, responded to concerns from European clubs about their players participating in friendlies against Japan and Singapore. He assured clubs that player health is the priority and that minutes will be carefully managed.

"The priority is always the player's health. If they're at 100%, they train. If they're at 100%, they play," Ancelotti said at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's friendly in Singapore. "Clubs can be at ease with the national team. The priority for everyone is the athlete's health. We always want the athlete to return prepared to play and without injuries."

Ancelotti also confirmed that this international break marks the end of Brazil's testing period, during which he has called up young prospects and recalled players who had been absent. He indicated the squad will be more defined for upcoming competitive fixtures, including 2030 World Cup qualifiers and Copa América 2028. Five debutants have been called up for the Japan and Singapore matches.