Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior said Wednesday that Brazil has improved since the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti as manager, reported Xinhua.
Since taking charge in May, the Italian has overseen three wins, one draw and two losses, including a 3-2 defeat to Japan in the team's last outing at Tokyo's Ajinomoto Stadium in October.
"I believe that with the manager we are evolving and we have adopted a clear game plan," Vinicius told the Brazilian Football Confederation's official website.
"He is very experienced and has given us confidence … making the most of each player's characteristics."
Brazil earned a place at next year's World Cup by finishing fifth in the 10-team South American qualifying group with eight wins, four draws and six defeats.
The five-time world champions will fine-tune their preparations for football's biggest tournament with friendlies against Senegal in London on Saturday and Tunisia in Lille next Tuesday.
Vinicius, who played under Ancelotti at Real Madrid, urged his teammates to take the fixtures seriously.
"We have only a few matches before the World Cup. Everyone has to get into World Cup mode and focus on the opportunities that are coming," the 25-year-old said. "The time to make mistakes is now, not at the World Cup."
Brazil is seeking its first World Cup triumph since the 2002 edition in Japan and South Korea. Since then, the Selecao has reached the quarterfinals four times and the semifinals once.
- Brazil
- Head coach
Source: www.dailyfinland.fi
