Marquinhos: Brazil have studied India ahead of Kolkata friendly

Brazil captain Marquinhos said his side have thoroughly prepared for their international friendly against India at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata on October 3, and warned the match would be taken seriously despite its friendly status.

Marquinhos told reporters the Selecao have analysed India and singled out India captain and goalkeeper Gurpreet Singh Sandhu as a player who has drawn Brazil’s attention. The fixture offers Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti another chance to assess his squad and to work on integrating several new faces during the international window. Brazil arrive in Kolkata after recent matches in Australia, including a 4-2 victory in Brisbane.

On the reception the squad has received in India, Marquinhos said: “I’m very happy to be here. You can see from all these people receiving us since yesterday, from the first day… we arrived with a very warm reception here.Being here is also a way of thanking the Indian people… thanking them for all the affection and for following the Brazilian national team all these years…If it is not the main fanbase that follows Brazil, the largest fanbase following Brazil outside of Brazil is certainly one of these here.” He added the welcome has been particularly special for players visiting India for the first time.

Marquinhos emphasised Brazil are preparing with respect for India’s strengths and style, saying the squad have analysed the opposition and cannot afford complacency. He reiterated Brazil’s intent to treat the fixture with the same seriousness they apply to other internationals: “I also agree with Professor Ancelotti… here in the Brazilian national team there is really no such thing as a friendly. Every match we have to win, we have to play a great match…Every match is very special. For all the years I’ve been here, every match for me I approach as if it were my first and last match for the Brazilian national team.”

Addressing the squad makeup, Marquinhos described a blend of experienced players and younger teammates who have injected fresh energy into the group, and said building understanding between generations is a priority as Ancelotti continues shaping the team. He spoke of the need for patience and cooperation during this rebuilding phase and stated the newer players will “live through their own moments and draw their conclusions too,” adding: “We have a target further down the road, but we have primary objectives… which are really to regain confidence, regain playing well, and achieve big victories…I’ve experienced certain things. This new generation will live through their own moments and draw their conclusions too… so I think this mix of experience and a new cycle of incoming players brings this motivation, this enthusiasm…”

Marquinhos contrasted the press interest in Kolkata with recent media sessions in Australia, saying: “We were in Australia in a press conference with 8 to 10 people, and coming here with so many people… I think rarely have I seen a press room so full.We have to use that as motivation… use it as a boost so that we can utilize it in our match tomorrow…” He underlined the need to channel that atmosphere into focused performance on the pitch.

Marquinhos also outlined Brazil’s specific match preparation, confirming the coaching staff are analysing individual opponents and noting India’s goalkeeper will reach a milestone: “We are going to prepare very well for this match, analyzing the players, analyzing the opposing team… We know that their goalkeeper is going to play his 90th match for the Indian national team, so there are certainly players to respect on the other side…That is how we like to show respect to our opponents… we will certainly prepare for this match in the best way possible to deliver a great game.” Raphinha has been ruled out after suffering a minor thigh injury in the friendly against Australia and has returned to Barcelona for treatment.

The India v Brazil friendly kicks off at 7:30 PM IST on October 3 at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata and will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network and streamed on SonyLIV.