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Douglas Urges India to Prioritize Youth Development Over Friendlies

Douglas Urges India to Prioritize Youth Development Over Friendlies
Douglas asks India to sort priorities as Brazil friendlies fuel youth football debate · telegraphindia.com

Brazil’s football team is planning friendly matches against India and Australia.

Carlo Ancelotti says developing young players is important for Brazil’s future.

However, many people in Brazil are unhappy with the choice of opponents.

They want Brazil to play stronger teams to improve faster.

Former player Douglas Da Silva criticized the India match.

He said winning by many goals would not fix Brazil’s deeper football problems.

Douglas also said India should spend money on youth teams instead of only expensive friendly matches.

He believes better youth coaching could help India’s senior team in the future.

Key facts

Brazil coach
Carlo Ancelotti
Critic
Former Brazilian midfielder Douglas Da Silva
Brazil’s reported public sentiment
Douglas said almost 80% of people in Brazil dislike Ancelotti’s approach.
Friendlies mentioned
Brazil versus India and Australia; India versus Uruguay on October 6
Main criticism
The friendlies are viewed by critics as financially motivated rather than technically useful.
Suggested investment
Douglas proposed spending on under-13, under-15, under-17 and under-19 teams.
Suggested coaching period
Foreign coaches could be hired for five to seven years, assisted by Indian coaches.

Quotes

Douglas Da Silva

Brazilian former midfielder and former East Bengal and Mohun Bagan player

“Almost 80 per cent of the people here don’t like the way Ancelotti works and are not at all happy about this (India) game. They want Brazil to play against stronger teams. How does playing against India benefit Brazil?”
telegraphindia.com
“Even if they win Saturday’s game by 10 goals, it still won’t diffuse the current situation in Brazilian football. I have had wonderful times in India, but let’s face it, the level of Indian football is not high.”
telegraphindia.com

Sources

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