Brazil international Luiz Henrique says the key for the Seleção in their quest for a sixth World Cup title is to transform “pressure” into “motivation,” a challenge that has eluded the nation for 24 years. In an interview with AFP, the Zenit Saint Petersburg winger opened up about his role, working under Carlo Ancelotti, and his ambitions for the tournament starting June 11.
Luiz Henrique was just a baby when Brazil last lifted the World Cup in 2002. Now the dynamic winger is one of the main attacking options for head coach Carlo Ancelotti. Speaking via videoconference from Saint Petersburg, he highlighted the Italian’s influence as a coach who “helps a footballer evolve.”
Here are key excerpts from the interview, edited for clarity.
**On working with Ancelotti:**
“It’s an honor. Working with someone with such vast experience, a long-time winner, adds a lot to my professional and personal life. He helps the footballer evolve and gives players the calmness to show our best football.”
**On the change from Dorival Júnior to Ancelotti:**
“We know how Brazil works: there’s a lot of pressure. You have to get results. Both helped me. Ancelotti helps me just like Dorival did, and with my football I was able to help Dorival then, and now I help Ancelotti.”
**On the 24-year wait for a sixth World Cup:**
“Pressure is always good. In football, especially with the national team, pressure is always there. We must take that pressure as motivation.”
**On his debut under Ancelotti – an assist in Brazil’s 3-0 win over Chile in September:**
“It was a very important match. It was in Brazil, at the Maracanã, where I played many times (with Botafogo). The crowd started chanting my name. It was the best stage.”
**On friendlies against France (2-1 defeat) and Croatia (3-1 win):**
“France have excellent players, among the best in the world, like us. We were frustrated to lose, but we turned things around against Croatia. We needed that win.”
**On the farewell match against Panama on May 31 at Maracanã:**
“It will be an excellent farewell. We have the ambition to win the World Cup. I’m sure every player in the Seleção shares that same thought. It’s important to unite, fight for every ball, play at a high level, reach the final, and become world champions. That’s what Brazil expects.”
**On injuries to Rodrygo and Estêvão possibly giving him more responsibility:**
“I really regret the injuries of Militão, Estêvão, and Rodrygo. I’ll wait for Ancelotti’s decision and see if he picks me. I want to play, to be among the 11, and if he chooses me I’ll do what I’ve always done: give my best.”
**On winning the Brasileirão and Copa Libertadores with Botafogo in 2024:**
“It opened many doors. It opened the door to the Brazilian national team. Botafogo, today and always, will be in my heart. Now I’m living my best moment at Zenit.”
**On leaders like Casemiro in the squad:**
“We have experienced players who have won important things. Douglas Santos, who plays with me at Zenit, helps me. Casemiro always talks to the newcomers. He always talks to us so we can be as calm as possible.”
**On his childhood inspiration:**
“Neymar was always an inspiration. He’s exceptional. I always watched him and still watch him on TV. His quality is undeniable.”
**Would he like to play with Neymar?**
“Of course. It would be incredible to share the pitch with him at the World Cup.”