'Felt like an eternity' - Rodrygo opens up on 'difficult' absence from Brazil squad amid battle to earn Xabi Alonso's favour at Real Madrid

Rodrygo experienced a dip during the summer at Santiago Bernabeu as he lost his spot in the Madrid starting line-up. The lack of game time for his club affected his chances in international football, as he was not selected in the Brazil squad for their matches in June and September. However, finally, an opportunity has arrived for the winger to win the trust of his former coach Ancelotti and remain in the hunt for a spot at the World Cup next year. 

Rodrygo, who last appeared for the Selecao in March in a 4-1 loss to Argentina, told reporters: "It was a really long time, being away from the Brazil team felt like an eternity. It was difficult, I went through a lot during that period. But it was a good thing, it allowed me to think things through, calm down and get my head straight. I feel good and ready to be here again, to give my best, to show my best side with the Selecao. It’s been a long time, but now I’m back, I’m feeling good and I hope to help as much as I can."

Speaking on ex-Madrid boss Ancelotti's impact on the Brazil team, Rodrygo added: "I think that when you’re on the pitch, you look out and see Ancelotti guiding you, it gives you a different weight. I think that’s also the case for our opponents. 

"'We’re going to play against Brazil, whose manager is Ancelotti'. People respect him more. It gives us greater credibility. And, of course, I’ll always speak highly of him, because he’s someone who has always helped me a lot, who has helped me grow, and having a manager like that guiding you leaves you speechless."

Rodrygo is yet to win over Alonso's trust at Real as he has featured only once in the starting line-up in La Liga this season, despite being in the matchday squad in all eight matches. If he manages to perform well against the Asian opponents, the 24-year-old might be able to convince Alonso to give him more game time