Following the humiliating 4-1 defeat against Argentina in the World Cup qualifiers, the Brazilian national team is seeking a change of direction. Dorival Júnior, who failed to measure up, leaves his position after a match where Brazil was outplayed from start to finish.
With urgency, Brazil focused on finalizing the signing of Carlo Ancelotti. The official announcement arrived, marking the beginning of a new era for the “Canarinha”.
This decision has generated controversy. For some, it is a challenge to the tradition of having a Brazilian coach at the helm of the most decorated team in the history of the World Cups.
However, the players, accustomed to working with coaches of various nationalities, do not seem to be concerned. Stars like Vinícius Júnior, who has a close relationship with Ancelotti, are enthusiastic about the idea of continuing under his direction.
Furthermore, there is speculation about the possible return of Casemiro, who was key for Ancelotti at Real Madrid, and could be the solution to reinforce the midfield, a problematic area in the current standings.
It has been reported that Ancelotti has already contacted Casemiro and Neymar.
It will be interesting to see how Ancelotti handles Neymar, Brazil’s all-time leading scorer. The return of Neymar, who is expected to be available in June, will be crucial for the upcoming matches.
Ancelotti’s success with Brazilian players was a key factor for the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). The president of the CBF, Ednaldo Rodrigues, sees Ancelotti as the ideal coach.
Rodrigues highlights Ancelotti’s experience as a player and coach, including his participation in the 1994 World Cup as Arrigo Sacchi’s assistant. His ability to adapt and his titles in the main European leagues are also relevant.
Brazil hasn’t won a World Cup since 2002, and Ancelotti is seen as the man to overcome this barrier.
Bringing Carlo Ancelotti to coach Brazil is more than a strategic move. It’s a declaration to the world that we are determined to regain our position at the top of the podium.
Ednaldo Rodrigues
Ancelotti’s first challenge will be immediate. Brazil must call up its team this week for the upcoming qualifying matches against Ecuador and Paraguay. Ancelotti will formally take office on May 26 and will have little time to prepare for the matches on June 5 and 10.
Ancelotti has two major advantages. The first is the expansion of the World Cup. Brazil, currently fourth in the South American table, is in a good position to qualify, despite the difficult matches ahead.
The other advantage is that the current situation could hardly get worse. The performance against Argentina was so bad that it cannot be repeated.
Ancelotti will seek to hide the defects and accentuate the strengths of the team, with his experience and leadership.
The arrival of foreign coaches is not new in Brazilian football. In the past, coaches from Uruguay and Hungary influenced the development of Brazilian football.
Ancelotti has been influenced by Brazilian players and has also been an influence on Brazilian football.
Ancelotti was the main reference for Tite, the coach who led Brazil to the last two World Cups, where they were eliminated in the quarterfinals.
If Ancelotti manages to take Brazil to the semi-finals and win the sixth title, he could become the best coach in the history of football.
