Gabriel Magalhaes wants to take what makes Arsenal’s defence so hard to beat and bring it to Brazil, and he says the senior players in Carlo Ancelotti’s squad have a duty to look after the young ones.
The Arsenal centre-back spoke at a press conference in Singapore on Wednesday, where Brazil are preparing to face Japan on Saturday 14 November and the hosts, Singapore, on Tuesday 17 November. Both games are friendlies at the National Stadium at the Kallang.
It is a different world from north London. Arsenal have conceded five goals in their first 10 Premier League games this season and kept seven clean sheets. Brazil have kept one clean sheet in their last five matches.
What did Gabriel say about Arsenal’s defence?
Asked whether Brazil could copy what Arsenal do at the back, Gabriel pointed to time together. “It’s completely different working with Arsenal and coming to the national team,” he said. “At Arsenal, we’re together every single day. We talk and work together every day. With the national team, we don’t have that same amount of time, but we try to become stronger.”
The mindset, though, travels. “We know that if we don’t concede, we’re closer to winning matches. That’s what we work on every day, on the pitch and in conversations off it,” he said.
“It’s no different with Brazil. We’ve been talking about how important it is not to concede. We also have new players of great quality at big clubs, and we want to build that same strength within the group.”
Gabriel is asked what makes Arsenal's defence so DOMINANT 🇧🇷🚫 pic.twitter.com/glonyDerCX
– Hayters TV (@HaytersTV) November 11, 2026
The numbers back him up. Arsenal won the Premier League last season with just 27 goals conceded in 38 games and 19 clean sheets, and this season David Raya is already on course to break Petr Cech’s clean sheet record.
Gabriel the mentor
At 28, Gabriel is now one of the experienced heads in a Brazil squad that keeps bringing in new faces, and he spoke like a man who has accepted that role.
“Responsibility belongs to everyone who wears the Brazil shirt. But those of us who have been here a little longer need to bring the younger players closer and give them confidence,” he said. “We know the weight of this shirt. We try to give them the calmness to enjoy every moment, but with a lot of responsibility.”
“I’m here to help Brazil and give my best. I want to continue setting an example for the younger players so we can achieve great things together.”
Vitor Reis on learning from Gabriel
One of those young players is Manchester City’s Vitor Reis, 20, who has two caps. He named Gabriel straight away when asked who he learns from. “Gabriel does a phenomenal job both at his club and here,” Reis said.
“Marquinhos and Gabriel Magalhaes make us feel comfortable and try to help us as much as possible on the pitch. They’re phenomenal people, and that support is fundamental.”
Brazil’s Copa America target
Gabriel was clear about where this is heading. “We have everything we need to win. We have top players and a top coach. Now it’s time to work hard,” he said. “We know how difficult it is, but we need to prepare well, win our matches and be ready for the Copa America.”
He is not the only Gunner out there. Bruno Guimaraes is also in the Brazil squad, as we listed in our guide to where Arsenal’s internationals play this month.
The long trip home for Gabriel
For Arsenal, the worry is less about what Gabriel says and more about the miles. Two friendlies in Singapore, with the second on Tuesday 17 November, leave little time to get back for Newcastle away on Saturday 21 November. Mikel Arteta will want him fresh for St James’ Park.
Still, it is good to hear. Gabriel has become one of the leaders at Arsenal, and Brazil now want the same from him. If he can bring even half of Arsenal’s defensive habits to Ancelotti’s side, Brazil’s young defenders will be learning from one of the best.
