SportsPosted at: Oct 2 2026 9:50PM


Ancelotti, Marquinhos show respect for Indian team, praise players

By Sirshendu Panth
Kolkata, Oct 2 (UNI) Notwithstanding the gulf in standards that separates them from India, global soccer giants Brazil on Friday said they respected the hosts and picked the Blue Tigers’ custodian Gurpreet Singh and forward Ryan Williams for special praise.
“We have respect for the quality of the Indian team. They played a good draw against Panama. We have full respect for our opponents,” said Brazilian head coach Carlo Ancelotti at the customary media conference on the eve of their FIFA International Friendly contest with India here.
Ancelotti also expressed happiness with the warm welcome extended to his team on their arrival here. “This conference was an opportunity for us, for me personally and for the entire national team, to thank this beautiful country for the welcome we have received.”
The Italian manager, who has five Champions League titles under his belt, said he was aware of the football craze and the adulation for Brazil in this part of India and hoped spectators at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) would witness an entertaining match on the morrow.
“It is an honour for us to be here with the national team. We know how much this region loves our national team and football. We are happy to be here to play against India and show the quality of our players,” he said.
Brazilian skipper Marquinhos, a veteran of three World Cups, said his team had prepared well for the game and thoroughly analysed India’s recent performances.
“We have prepared very well for this game, analysed our opponents. We are going to try and play our best possible game to win. We always put in our best performance. That's how we like to respect our opponents,” said the celebrated defender.
The Brazilian captain said his team had seen videos of India’s recent matches. “India have played around six games, with one victory in their last football matches this year. Every game, even without a victory, has a story and several important moments.”
Asked whether he wanted to give any advice to the Indian team, Marquinhos said, “We believe there is no need to offer words of advice to the Indian squad. They are extremely professional.”
The Brazilian star described as “massive” Gurpreet’s standing a match away from turning out in the Indian jersey for the 90th time.
“I have followed the goalkeeper, Gurpreet. This is his 90th match, and that’s massive,” he said.
Williams, who scored for India against Panama in last month’s FIFA friendly, also received praise from Ancelotti.
“Williams is a good striker, and I think he can be really dangerous,” said the coach.
However, Marquinhos also sent a warning to India by echoing Ancelotti’s earlier comments that “there are no friendlies for Brazil.”
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Tags: #Ancelotti# Marquinhos show respect for Indian team# praise players
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