Guimaraes Embraces Mentor Role as Brazil Opens New Cycle in Australia
The short version
- Bruno Guimaraes has 48 Brazil caps and was first called up in 2020.
- Carlo Ancelotti named nine first-time call-ups for the Super FIFA window.
- Brazil plays Australia on Sept. 25 in Townsville and Sept. 29 in Brisbane.
- Brazil faces India on Oct. 3 in Kolkata.
The Newcastle midfielder, two caps shy of 50 for Brazil, says his job now is helping the nine newcomers settle into Carlo Ancelotti's squad.
Speaking to reporters in Brisbane on Wednesday, Brazil midfielder Bruno Guimaraes said he views himself as one of the veterans responsible for easing the transition for the squad's younger players. First called up in 2020, the defensive midfielder has accumulated 48 caps and sits just short of a half-century of appearances for the Selecao.
He explained that senior figures made him feel welcome when he broke into the setup, and that he now wants to provide the same support. According to Guimaraes, building confidence among debutants is the priority so they can perform at their best.
Carlo Ancelotti's roster for the Super FIFA window includes nine players receiving a first senior call-up: Rayan, Matheuzinho, Breno Bidon, Pedro Morisco, Mauro Junior, Martinelli, Jair, Arthur Dias and Gabriel Bontempo. Guimaraes noted that squad renewal matters but cannot happen all at once, and said the expanded pool gives Ancelotti a chance to evaluate new options in training during his early tenure.
Brazil's new era starts Friday in Townsville, where the side meets Australia at Queensland Country Bank Stadium. The teams play again Tuesday at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, before Brazil faces India on October 3 at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata.
