Guimarães: Neymar will always be a top star, I hope he will stay away from injuries. Fat Tiger is my idol

November 19 News Newcastle midfielder Guimarães accepted an interview with the Brazilian media Global Network during the international match day. He talked about Neymar, Casemiro and other topics. At the same time, we also looked forward to the 2026 World Cup.

You are in the best shape of your national team career. To what would you attribute this?

I think it’s due to various factors. The most important thing is the arrival of Mr. Ancelotti. He gives our players more peace of mind, after all, he is so experienced. We talked and he told his own story, with more than 1,200 coaching experiences, which is so profound. I believe that I am increasingly adapting to the national team and accepting the responsibility of a young leader. I was called up for the first time in 2020 and experienced a lot. The arrival of Casemiro also helped me a lot, he encouraged me to lead the midfield together.

You said that An Shuai made you more confident. How specifically?

He chatted with me and asked me whether I prefer to play right or left, single midfielder or double midfielder. That conversation was important to me. His name and resume are there. He has won everything. He has seen enough pressure from the Brazilian team and is extremely calm. He can also stabilize us when the team is in turmoil. He said that there is no problem with our talent, but we just need to work hard. As long as everyone is running for a goal, the chance of success is high.

This is already your second World Cup cycle. Do you still feel that Brazil lacks this "brutal energy"?

Yes, we have the talent, but the defensive line is unified and the defensive mentality... we conceded too many goals before. Since Anshuai took office, he has basically not conceded a goal except against Japan. There are few World Cup games and you can win without conceding a goal. With those talented people in front, 1-0 is enough.

Everyone praises An Shuai as "a good man", and you also mentioned that his tactics are also unambiguous. Can you talk about the tactical details?

Not only him, the entire team has a very detailed division of labor: the defensive line has special training, and the midfielder also has special training. He is Italian, he doesn't want to concede the ball in training, and he encourages us to have healthy competition. Defensively practice 4-1-4-1 and 4-4-2; offensively practice 4-2-4 and 4-3-3. He is still exploring the most suitable formation, but multiple preparations are important, as he will encounter different opponents in the World Cup.

Did anything about him surprise you?

Players call him a "dad" and "joker". On the first day, he sang to welcome the new year, like an opera, which was unexpected. He was super kind, said he liked Brazilians, and always made Vinicius laugh. But the training ground is very serious and requires us to compete with real swords and guns. After losing to Japan, we thought he was going to explode, but he said: "It's good to see you sad earlier, which shows that everyone doesn't accept defeat." He really wanted to lead us to win the championship.

Is football becoming more balanced? Will the 2026 World Cup be more difficult?

Yes, there are more teams participating, and weak teams will also want to play 5-4-1, 5-5-0, and delay penalty kicks. Nowadays, anyone can study anyone, and many goals are scored through throw-ins into the penalty area. Talent alone is not enough, you have to work hard.

Which team do you think is the strongest now?

France, Spain, Argentina, England (Tuchel is also good after taking office), and of course Brazil, we are always the favorites.

The outside world is currently debating whether Neymar should go to the World Cup. What do you think?

Everyone in the team likes him and wants him to be healthy. Whether he is called up or not depends on his condition, but for me, he will always be a top star and the national team needs the best players.

How is he usually?

is super easy-going and takes photos with the cleaners and chefs. An Shuai said he wanted to coach him. I just hope he stays away from injuries.

Speaking of Casemiro, is he a technical help to you or a spiritual role model?

The championship experience is there. When I first joined the national team in 2020, I said that he was my idol. Five Champions League titles, the template for all Brazilian defensive midfielders. I am most comfortable playing the No. 8 position, both for the national team and Newcastle United. It is a perfect combination.