Carlo Ancelotti faced reporters at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on the eve of Brazil’s matchup against Norway, a game the Norwegian coach Ståle Solbakken labeled as one where Brazil arrives as “favorites.”

The Italian manager brushed off that pressure, spoke candidly about his squad’s condition, and had plenty of praise — and caution — for Erling Haaland, who looks poised to make Brazil’s weekend a complicated one.

On replacing Lucas Paquetá

“We don’t have another player with Lucas’ exact qualities, but we have others with different characteristics. I need to think about what kind of game we want to play tomorrow and choose accordingly.”

On Raphinha’s condition

“Raphinha is progressing very well, but he’s not at 100% yet. He’s available and might get a few minutes to help the team. We’re very happy because he’s extremely important for us.”

On Haaland

“We’re focused on preparing the match and keeping Haaland’s qualities in mind. Everyone knows Haaland — I don’t need to explain to my defenders how he plays. They’ve faced him many times and know him better than I do. We’re preparing with his characteristics in mind because he’s a very, very dangerous striker.”

On Brazil’s tactical plan

“Sorry, but I’m not going to talk strategy here (laughs). Vinicius hurts teams on the outside… and on the inside too. He’s a constant threat.”

On being labeled favorites

“Norway is a tough, well‑structured team. We’re confident because we’re coming off a great knockout match against Japan, because we want to improve, and because we’re ready. We’re prepared for anything — Japan scored first and we didn’t panic. And who would’ve thought Argentina would struggle against Cape Verde? You suffer because every opponent is difficult.”

On an ‘anti‑Haaland’ plan

“There isn’t one. I don’t need to explain how to defend Haaland — our defenders have played against him many times. What we can do is improve our quality of play and consistency. The goal is to keep getting better.”

On Norway’s strengths

“They have a lot of offensive quality. They’re compact, balanced, and dangerous going forward. It’s hard to find quick transitions because they control the midfield well.”

On physical intensity

“The team is strong, but I don’t think the match will be decided purely on physicality — though it will matter.”

On Martinelli

“It’s something we have to consider. Martinelli doesn’t have the same defensive traits as Danilo, but it’s important to have players with different characteristics.”

On Vinicius and Neymar

“They can play together. I think they will.”

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