Carlo Ancelotti has defended his decision to count on youth rather than experience in his new-look Brazil squad.
Former Brazil captain Thiago Silva had earlier this week questioned Ancelotti's decision to conduct a major overhaul of the national team, stating that players shouldn't be discarded purely because of their age if they can still contribute.
Ancelotti selected nine players that featured for Brazil at the 2026 World Cup while he named eight uncapped players when announcing on Wednesday his 26-man roster for the upcoming friendlies against Australia and India.
"One thing is certain: a player who is 34 or 35 years old isn't the future," Ancelotti said when asked about Silva's comments. "They are the present. If a player of that age is ready to play in a major tournament, they will be in the national squad, but right now the main thing to prioritise is young players.
"This is a balanced squad, featuring players who have represented Brazil at the World Cup. It will be important for the next generation.
"We have young players who have the quality to represent the national team in the years to come, as well as players who are performing very well in the Brazilian Championship."
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Ancelotti said after his team's exit in the round of 16 at this year's World Cup that he would oversee a "new cycle" with the team, adding a need "for young talent."
The former Real Madrid coach stressed the importance of rebuilding the squad immediately looking ahead to the 2030 World Cup.
"We must prioritise young players who will be of age for the next World Cup or the next Copa América," Ancelotti said.
"Now we have time to take things more calmly and at our own pace, and to assess everyone properly. The idea is very clear: to bring in a new generation of footballers. We can take our time, making the right decisions for the future."
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Brazil squad:
Goalkeepers: Hugo Souza (Corinthians), Pedro Morisco (Coritiba), Otávio (Cruzeiro).
Defenders: Arthur Dias (Athletico Paranaense), Wesley (Roma), Marquinhos (Paris Saint-Germain), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Douglas Santos (Zenit St. Petersburg), Jair (Nottingham Forest), Matheuzinho (Corinthians), Maurio Júnior (PSV Eindhoven), Vitor Reis (Manchester City).
Midfielders: Bruno Guimaraes (Arsenal), Andrey Santos (Manchester United), Danilo Santos (Botafogo), Douglas Luiz (Juventus), Breno Bidon (Corinthians), Gabriel Bontempo (Santos).
Forwards: Endrick, Vinicius Júnior (Real Madrid), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), João Pedro, Estevao (Chelsea), Samuel Lino and Pedro (Flamengo).