Ancelotti to repeat Flick’s tactic with Raphinha for Brazil in upcoming matches – report

Ancelotti to repeat Flick’s tactic with Raphinha for Brazil in upcoming matches – report According to Globoesporte (h/t MARCA ), Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti appears set to field Raphinha as a centre-forward in their upcoming game against Australia, taking inspiration from FC Barcelona boss Hansi Flick. The 29-year-old superstar has excelled as the Catalans’ No. 9 this season and could find himself playing in the same position for the national team. Changes incoming Brazil’s first outing since the World Cup did not go as expected. The Selecao struggled badly in their friendly against Australia last week and only managed to rescue a draw thanks to a late goal from Rayan. The national team’s performance remains below expectations, and Ancelotti appears ready to make changes. Ancelotti considering making some changes. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) After the match, he hinted that there would be changes for the next game, saying: “Yes, the team will change a little. Not much, but a little.” One of those changes could involve Raphinha’s position. The Barcelona forward was influential in setting up Rayan’s equaliser, but, wearing the No. 10 shirt, he played as an attacking midfielder behind Endrick, who operated as the main striker. Ancelotti tests Raphinha as a No. 9 in training That is about to change. According to the report, Ancelotti wants to take advantage of Raphinha’s excellent form at the start of the season and plans to use him as a centre-forward in Brazil’s next match. As such, he tested the following XI in training: Otavio; Vanderson, Jair Cunha, Gabriel Magalhaes, Mauro Junior; Danilo, Bruno Guimaraes, Gabriel Bontempo; Rayan, Vinicius and Raphinha. Raphinha has excelled in his new role. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images) Having tried Raphinha as a No. 9, Ancelotti will be adopting the approach used by Hansi Flick at Barcelona. Following the departures of Ferran Torres and Robert Lewandowski, the German tactician has used his captain as the team’s No. 9 this season. The move has worked a treat as Raphinha has scored 14 goals for Barcelona, including 12 in La Liga and two in the Champions League, while also providing three assists. Brazil are due to face Australia again on Tuesday in a second friendly, before taking on India on Saturday, 3 October in Kolkata.