Apex

​Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that deciding whether to include Neymar in his squad for the 2026 World Cup is weighing heavily on his mind. Despite the Santos forward’s legendary status, the Italian tactician is balancing the player's recent fitness struggles against his undeniable talent as the tournament approaches. The weight of history against physical reality Ancelotti has included Neymar in his 55-man provisional list for the tournament, but will whittle that number down to 26 when he announces the final squad on May 18. At 34 years old, Neymar is indisputably one of the greatest talents Brazilian football has ever produced, but his place in the 2026 World Cup squad is not a certainty. After a disastrous period at Al Hilal and recurring injuries, his return to Santos has brought glimpses of the old star, but still under the shadow of doubt about his competitive intensity. "When you have to choose, you need to take many things into consideration," Ancelotti explained in an exclusive interview with Reuters. "Neymar is an important player for this country because of the talent he has always shown. He has had some problems, and he is working hard to recover. He has improved a lot recently and is playing regularly. Obviously, for me it's not an easy decision. We have to carefully weigh the pros and cons, but that doesn't put pressure on me. We've been evaluating not only Neymar, but all the players, for a year now." Neymar's role in the locker room One of the crucial points for Ancelotti is the harmony of the group. The Italian, known for his impeccable man management, knows that the presence or absence of a figure like Neymar alters the collective dynamic. The coach highlighted that his teammates have already made it clear that they want to have the number 10 around, something he values ​​when analyzing the internal climate of the Brazilian National Team. "I know perfectly well that Neymar is very well-liked, not only by the public, but also by the players," Ancelotti said. "That's also a factor, because we have to take into account the atmosphere that will surround Neymar's call-up. It's not like I'm going to drop a bomb in the locker room. He is very well-liked, very loved. I think it's normal for the players to express their opinion. I am grateful to everyone who gave me advice, I thank you all. But, in the end, the right person to make this decision, the most suitable person to do so, is me." Shielding against the external environment For the coach, media pressure and the noise from the fans cannot interfere in the selection process. Ancelotti reinforced that his priority is to maintain tranquility in the work environment, regardless of the decision he makes at the beginning of next week. He believes that the group is prepared to deal with any outcome regarding the Santos star. "I don't believe the internal environment will affect the team at all," he added. "The environment is very positive, very calm, and no matter which player is in the squad, it will remain positive and calm until the end. But I can't control the external environment and what the media says. The internal environment is under control and will remain so until the end, with or without Neymar. This influences the point I just mentioned: knowing that if I bring Neymar into this group, the group will be fine because he is very well-liked by everyone." Technical criteria and total autonomy The final part of the evaluation involves Ancelotti's tactical demands, which require high intensity and defensive recovery. Despite recognizing Neymar's physical improvement in recent games for Santos, the coach emphasized that the decision will be strictly professional, based on what the player can deliver on the field under the current conditions of international football. "He has greatly improved his physical condition in recent matches. He has played some very good games lately," said Ancelotti. "His physical conditioning has improved. He can maintain a high intensity during a match. But there are games and games. I am calm because I know perfectly well that the decision is mine. "I was not pressured by anyone to call up Neymar. I have total autonomy. The decision will be 100% professional. I will only take into consideration his performance as a football player. Nothing else. Can I assemble a perfect team? Impossible! But I can assemble a team with fewer mistakes than others who would try. Of that I am certain." Read More

​Manuel Neuer is set to extend his legendary stay at Bayern Munich after reportedly reaching a total agreement over a contract extension. The veteran goalkeeper, who recently turned 40, has committed to the Bavarian giants for a further year, ensuring his era at the Allianz Arena continues until at least 2027. Legend secures Allianz Arena future The long-running saga regarding Neuer’s future has finally reached a conclusion. According to Sky Germany, the World Cup winner has reached a "complete agreement" to extend his contract with Bayern Munich until June 30, 2027. The news comes as a major boost to the club hierarchy, who were keen to retain the services of their captain for another campaign. The extension is expected to be finalized before the club's final home game of the Bundesliga season against FC Koln this Saturday. Having joined the club from Schalke in 2011, Neuer has established himself as arguably the greatest goalkeeper in the club's history, and this latest deal allows him to push toward even more records in the twilight of his career. Financial sacrifice for the veteran While Bayern were eager to keep their number one, a key part of the negotiations involved a significant reduction in his base salary. Currently, the 40-year-old earns an estimated €20 million gross per year, including bonuses. However, under the new terms, he will take a pay cut to help the club manage its overall wage bill. This financial adjustment follows a similar strategy used during other recent renewals, as the club looks to maintain flexibility in the transfer market. By accepting a lower fixed wage, Neuer demonstrated his commitment to the club's long-term project while ensuring he remains a key member of the starting XI for at least one more season. Succession planning with Jonas Urbig The extension for Neuer doesn't mean Bayern are ignoring the future. A core element of the club's strategy involves the development of Jonas Urbig, who is increasingly viewed as the heir to Neuer's throne. The 22-year-old will remain as the number two next season but has been promised more appearances than the 21 he has managed so far this term. Bayern's coaching staff are determined to integrate Urbig more frequently to ensure a smooth transition when Neuer eventually decides to hang up his gloves. Furthermore, the club intends to keep veteran backup Sven Ulreich, while younger prospects like Leonard Prescott are expected to be sent out on loan or integrated into the reserve setup to continue their growth. A historic legacy continues Neuer's impact during his 15 years in Munich is unparalleled. During his tenure, he has secured 13 Bundesliga titles and two Champions League trophies, becoming the face of the club's modern golden era. Despite his age, his performance levels remain high, and his presence is still considered vital by the club's board and influential figures. By extending his stay until 2027, Neuer will have the opportunity to surpass 600 appearances for the club, further cementing his place in the history books. With the agreement now in place, fans can look forward to seeing the ultimate sweeper-keeper continue his dominance at the Allianz Arena for at least another season. Read More