Martinelli reveals Ancelotti wants him in different role to Arteta

Gabriel Martinelli took on a role for Brazil on Monday he is not used to performing for Arsenal and it worked out beautifully for boss Carlo Ancelotti.

Brazil came from behind to beat Japan 2-1 in Houston to book their spot in the last 16 of the World Cup.

It was an entertaining contest with a dramatic finish as Martinelli struck the killer blow deep into stoppage time to break Japanese hearts.

The 25-year-old was brought on 66 minutes into the contest and was deployed in a more central position to the left-sided role he tends to be tasked with by Mikel Arteta.

Martinelli says Ancelotti has been talking him through how he wants him to play as a central striker and clearly it worked very nicely against Japan.

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‘At Arsenal I don’t play that position, but I can,’ he told Caze TV. ‘The manager has been talking to me about how I can play in that role, playing centrally.

‘I’m happy to help the team regardless of the position. On the pitch, I’ll try to help Brazil in the best way possible.’

Explaining the move from the bench, Ancelotti said: ‘It was mainly to bring fresh blood onto the field. Martinelli has a lot of intensity, he’s a very important option because when he comes on he’s always at a high level. His position allowed Vini to play a little wider.’

There has already been some chopping and changing from Ancelotti with his choice of centre-forward at the World Cup.

Igor Thiago started the first match – a 1-1 draw with Morocco – but has not been on the pitch since.

Brazil steal it right at the death 🇧🇷

Gabriel Martinelli surely wins for his country in the 96th minute… pic.twitter.com/Ptly6foaIL

Matheus Cunha has since been chosen to lead the line, but was replaced by Martinelli against Japan.

After netting the late winner, Martinelli said: ‘I don’t even have words to describe the joy in my heart seeing the Brazilian people happy with the qualification. My family, wife, parents, my friends… I can’t even explain what I’m feeling right now.

‘I think it will only sink in after a while. The other day [against Scotland] I hit the post. I knew I would have another opportunity and thank God I managed to score the winning goal. Very happy with the performance of everyone who gave their all.’

The Arsenal man was dealing with a bloodied eye after the game, though, saying he caught an elbow when going up for a header.

‘I went to block for Gabi (Magalhães) and I think their full-back elbowed me, but it was worth it,’ he said.

On the dramatic victory, Ancelotti concluded: ‘I was confident, the team was playing well. We encountered difficulties due to the strength of the opponent, a very respectable team, very well organised, very dangerous, strong players, physical duels. But the team wasn’t lost, like in the first half against Morocco.

‘Today’s game was the most complete of the Cup. I think we struggled more in the first half, Japan was very well organised defensively, and we managed to find solutions in the second half. I think that’s progress.’

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