'Felt like an eternity' – Rodrygo opens up on 'difficult' absence from Brazil squad amid battle to earn Xabi Alonso's favour at Real Madrid
Rodrygo has opened up on his "difficult" absence from the Brazil national team amid his battle to earn Xabi Alonso's trust at Real Madrid. After missing the last two international windows, Rodrygo is finally back in the national team setup after receiving a call-up from his former coach Carlo Ancelotti for the friendlies in October against Asian giants South Korea and Japan.
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ToggleRodrygo's dip in form
Rodrygo experienced a dip during the summer at Santiago Bernabeu as he lost his spot in the Madrid starting line-up. The lack of game time for his club affected his chances in international football, as he was not selected in the Brazil squad for their matches in June and September. However, finally, an opportunity has arrived for the winger to win the trust of his former coach Ancelotti and remain in the hunt for a spot at the World Cup next year.Ā
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Rodrygo opens up on being left out of last Brazil squads
Rodrygo, who last appeared for the Selecao in March in a 4-1 loss to Argentina, told reporters: "It was a really long time, being away from the Brazil team felt like an eternity. It was difficult, I went through a lot during that period. But it was a good thing, it allowed me to think things through, calm down and get my head straight. I feel good and ready to be here again, to give my best, to show my best side with the Selecao. Itās been a long time, but now Iām back, Iām feeling good and I hope to help as much as I can."
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Rodrygo banking on Ancelotti factor
Speaking on ex-Madrid boss Ancelotti's impact on the Brazil team, Rodrygo added: "I think that when youāre on the pitch, you look out and see Ancelotti guiding you, it gives you a different weight. I think thatās also the case for our opponents.Ā
"'Weāre going to play against Brazil, whose manager is Ancelotti'. People respect him more. It gives us greater credibility. And, of course, Iāll always speak highly of him, because heās someone who has always helped me a lot, who has helped me grow, and having a manager like that guiding you leaves you speechless."
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Rodrygo's struggle continues at Madrid
Rodrygo is yet to win over Alonso's trust at Real as he has featured only once in the starting line-up in La Liga this season, despite being in the matchday squad in all eight matches. If he manages to perform well against the Asian opponents, the 24-year-old might be able to convince Alonso to give him more game time
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