Barca observes “preferential treatment” in Ancelotti’s team
Carlo Ancelotti’s announcement of his most recent Brazil team has caused a stir in Catalonia. The Italian coach, who quit Real Madrid to lead the Seleção in June, called up Barcelona winger Raphinha but did not call up Madrid players Rodrygo, Éder Militão, or Vinícius Júnior. Barcelona residents were incensed by this choice, which many saw as obvious favoritism.
Despite Vinícius’s suspension, Ancelotti excused Rodrygo on fitness concerns, stating that he needs time to recuperate. Suspicions that the former Madrid manager is shielding his former players were heightened when Militão was also excluded.
Barcelona believes that Raphinha’s two lengthy journeys with Brazil are unfair because he will play against Bolivia on September 9 and Chile at the Maracanã on September 4.
The decision was criticized by the Catalan daily Sport, which described it as “resounding preferential treatment” and “an immense service rendered to Xabi Alonso.” Barcelona’s annoyance is only increasing as the team wonders why Raphinha must travel so far for games that don’t really matter while Madrid’s players are exempt. Many Catalans believe that Ancelotti’s first significant scandal as Brazil’s coach has already started.
