Brentford forward Igor Thiago expressed that his competition with Manchester City‘s Erling Haaland for the top scorer title in the Premier League serves as added motivation for him as he aims to represent Brazil.
The uncapped forward has scored 19 league goals this season, trailing Haaland by three, and was named in Ancelotti’s squad for upcoming friendlies against France and Croatia.
“Our national squad is strong, so to reach this point, it’s crucial to perform well,” said the 24-year-old Thiago in an interview.
“Competing against Haaland for the top scorer title — a player of his caliber, a true goal-scoring machine — motivates me further to represent my country.”
“It drives me to show I’m prepared for this opportunity… With such a considerable squad, it’s vital to have these types of numbers to represent our nation.”
Thiago joined Brentford in 2024 and recently signed a contract extension that keeps him at the west London club until at least 2031. He has been pivotal in the team’s climb to seventh in the Premier League.
“People are recognizing the hard work I’m putting in,” Thiago shared. “To represent our country while playing in one of the toughest leagues globally, performing well, and achieving results brings me immense pride. Being here today is the greatest dream and accomplishment of my life.”
Ancelotti Envisions Brazil Playing with ‘Carnival’ Spirit
Brazil will face France on Thursday in Boston, followed by a match against Croatia on March 31 in Orlando, as the last national team friendlies ahead of Ancelotti finalizing his World Cup squad on May 18.
The former coach of Real Madrid is still deliberating about some players.
“There are four or five spots remaining, which leaves us with many uncertainties,” Ancelotti stated.
“That’s why I’ve called up some players I’m not very familiar with. I need one defender, two midfielders, and two more forwards. The competition is intense. It’s fortunate that the national team has such talented players.”
Ancelotti is committed to maintaining a four-player frontline.
“I want four players up front, considering the composition of our squad,” he noted. “We have several outstanding attackers, so we must maximize their abilities.”
Ancelotti, who took charge of the national team in May 2025, aims to lead Brazil to their sixth World Cup victory. The team has not won the World Cup since 2002, with its closest finish being fourth place in 2014 on home soil.
Additionally, the Brazil coach desires his squad to embody the spirit of Brazil’s celebrated Carnival, highlighting its uniqueness. “The national team’s DNA is critical,” he emphasized.
“Brazil’s essence entails talent, energy, and joy. I want Brazilian football to reflect the Carnival’s vibrancy. Experiencing Carnival was new for me; I recognized it brims with energy, joy, creativity, and talent, all organized beautifully.”
“Everything from the decorated floats, timed perfectly — we need to integrate all of that into the national team. Joy, energy, talent, and organization.”