Carlo Ancelotti backs Richarlison despite questions over inconsistent Tottenham Hotspur form
Richarlison has endured a quiet period in north London: since the 2-2 draw at Brighton, he has failed to find the net for Tottenham, and his starting appearances under manager Thomas Frank have become increasingly sporadic.
Back in Brazil, there is growing scrutiny of his selection for the national team, with journalists pointing to his recent club form and suggesting he may have been picked more due to his relationship with Ancelotti than his current performances.
Brazilian journalist Lucas Musetti, among others, criticised the player’s recent call-up.
Musetti said:
“Within this list of various players I like, Richarlison bothers me the most because he had space and opportunity in this national team and didn’t justify it. I think that Ancelotti knowing and trusting him alone can’t be a justification for this call-up.”
Ancelotti’s Explanation
According to Football.Lonson, Ancelotti addressed the criticism head-on after naming his squad for friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia. He stated that Brazil were looking for a “centre forward with the profile of a reference point in the area”, a role he believes Richarlison can fill. Despite the striker’s limited game time, the coach highlighted his past international track record and his suitability for that particular role.
“Richarlison isn’t playing much right now, but as a centre FORWARD, he has scored many goals for the Brazilian national team,” Ancelotti said.
The Stakes for Tottenham
For Tottenham, the situation presents added pressure. Richarlison’s national team involvement comes at a time when Spurs need forward momentum in the Champions League and the Premier League. Should he pick up a booking or suspension while on international duty, it could affect key upcoming fixtures.
Meanwhile, his lack of recent scoring puts Thomas Frank in a difficult spot. Does he persist with a player trusted by Brazil’s coach, or shift focus to other attacking options who are sharper and more consistent at the club level?
Carlo Ancelotti’s backing of Richarlison shows a coach willing to trust past performance and specific positional fit rather than recent club output alone. For Richarlison, it represents a lifeline but also a clear signal, he must deliver consistently for Tottenham if he is to keep that place in Brazil’s plans. For Spurs, the onus is on him to convert the national-team faith into club form, because the margin for error is shrinking.
