Ancelotti: Injuries prevented Neymar from meeting expectations; he doesn't regret calling him up for the World Cup.

Brazilian national football team coach Carlo Ancelotti gave an exclusive interview to ESPN, where he discussed Neymar.

Brazil's national team is undergoing a generational change.

"I think players like Neymar, who made his comments yesterday , I fully respect his decision. I believe that every story, every generation of players, eventually comes to an end, and a new generation must take over, and do better than the previous generation," the coach said, adding his own views on the generational transition in the Brazilian national team.

“Some veterans will certainly remain in the team, such as Marquinhos. We’ll have to see how Alisson fares. Of course, we must keep an eye on the young goalkeepers, because some of them are already playing in the Brazilian league, and some very young goalkeepers are getting playing time; they all have a chance to be selected,” he continued.

"Our idea is that some veteran players may still stay with the team, but we must look to the new cycle. We will start a brand new cycle and recruit new players," he added.

When asked by reporters, Ancelotti included Casemiro, Danilo, and Alex Sandro in the list of players who have most likely ended their national team careers.

"I think so, a cycle has ended. Of course we must thank them all, I have deep feelings for each and every one of them. But I think the cycle for players over 30 is over, and we must think about the future," the Italian coach said.

Talking about the Neymar controversy

"The only thing I regret is that Neymar could have stuck to training during that period and prepared better. He could have been in better form in the first game instead of waiting until the fourth game to get back into shape. That's the only thing that bothers me. Apart from that, his attitude is impeccable: he trains very hard, focuses on rehabilitation, helps the team and his teammates, and is always very serious and focused during training."

“I don’t think he was able to reach the level expected of him in terms of skills and tactics because injuries prevented him from doing so. But in terms of attitude, he was very positive. I have a deep affection for him, and I appreciate his attitude and his professional performance. I think it was the right decision to include him in the 26-man roster.”