Zinedine Zidane on Kento Shiogai's comments ahead of Brazil vs Japan in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32:
🗣️ “I read Kento Shiogai's comments, and for a young player who has achieved very little on the international stage, I think he has spoken far too soon. Respect in football is earned before it's demanded.”
“You can admire France, Argentina or any other nation, but dismissing Brazil before facing them is a dangerous mistake. Five World Cups are not history books collecting dust—they are the foundation of the biggest football nation the sport has ever known.”
“Football has a habit of humiliating players who believe headlines win matches. Talking before a World Cup knockout game only creates expectations that you now have to live up to for ninety minutes.”
“I've played against Brazil, coached against Brazil and watched generations of Brazilian footballers. One thing I know is this: the moment you believe Brazil are finished is usually the moment they remind the world exactly who they are.”
“If I were in the Brazilian dressing room, those comments would already be on every wall. Not because they need motivation, but because disrespect has a way of bringing the very best out of champions.”
“Kento is entitled to his opinion, but the World Cup is not won with interviews or confidence. It's won with personality when the pressure is at its highest, and that's where we'll discover whether his words carry any weight.”
“Respect your opponent, especially one that has given football some of the greatest players and greatest moments in history. Confidence is important, but arrogance has ended many World Cup dreams before they even had the chance to begin.”
“Tonight is his opportunity to prove every word he said. But if Brazil respond the way great football nations usually do after being doubted, those comments could become the biggest motivation they never knew they needed.”
🚨 Carlo Ancelotti on why he did not celebrate wildly after Gabriel Martinelli’s late winner for Brazil against Japan:
🗣️ “People asked me why I didn’t celebrate, but football is also about respect. Yes, we were happy to win, but I looked across and saw a Japanese team that had given absolutely everything. They fought with incredible courage, and I know exactly how painful a defeat like that can be.”
“Of course I celebrated inside because my responsibility is to Brazil and qualifying was our objective. But I’ve been in football for many years, and I’ve experienced both victory and heartbreak. Sometimes the best way to respect your opponent is to remain humble in your biggest moments.”
“Japan made us suffer for ninety-five minutes. They deserved our respect, not exaggerated celebrations. Brazil are through, but we know we must improve. Tonight we celebrate the qualification, but tomorrow we go back to work because the World Cup only gets more difficult from here.”
{@FoxNews }