Carlo Ancelotti praises ‘distinct characteristic’ of Nottingham Forest star, its more bad news for Chris Wood
Chris Wood is fighting for his place at Nottingham Forest, but he has not been helped by Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti.
Ange Postecoglou’s arrival at Nottingham Forest could spell the end for Wood at the club, despite the striker despite scoring 20 goals in all competitions last season.
The 33-year-old was an unused substitute against Real Betis in the Europa League with Postecoglou preferring to bring on forward and summer arrival Dilane Bakwa instead.
Wood has yet to score under Postecoglou with the former Spurs boss still winless at the City Ground following Nottingham’s Forest’s latest defeat to Sunderland.
Igor Jesus called up to Brazil squad
Igor Jesus has earned praise after scoring four goals in two starts for Nottingham Forest since Postecoglou’s arrival.
The 24-year-old is threatening to axe Wood from the starting XI, and the Brazilian has now been rewarded with a call up to the national team squad.
As per Sport Witness [2 October], Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti admitted it was not a tough decision to make.
“Igor Jesus is a striker who has a very distinct characteristic. I believe that the national team, in an important competition like the World Cup, must have a centre-forward with this profile,” Ancelotti said.
“Strong in the box, good in the air, who fights a lot, who has quality in duels.
“I think the national team must have other strikers of Igor Jesus’ profile. Sometimes you have control of the match, put many balls into the box, and you need to have a striker with these characteristics.”
Jesus could win just his fifth cap for Brazil in matches against either South Korea or Japan, where he will be eager to impress with the number nine role currently vacant ahead of the World Cup.
| Minutes Played | 64 |
| Goals | 2 |
| Shots | 6 |
| Shots on target | 3 |
| Touches in the opposition box | 9 |
| Duels Won | 7 |
Jesus to earn extra motivation after Brazil call up
With the World Cup less than a year away, this window offers an opportunity for Jesus to stake his claim to Ancelotti to go to the tournament next summer.
Jesus’ performances may also be of interest to Postecoglou, and whether the striker should earn a start against Chelsea after the international break.
The Brazilian will need regular game time at club level if he is to make it to the World Cup, and that could spell bad news for Wood.
Jesus fits better into Postecoglou’s high intensity style, and so far Wood’s three Premier League starts under the manager has not come with any rewards.