The departure of Tite, following Brazil’s quarter-final exit at the hands of Croatia in Qatar last year, has paved the way for Fernando Diniz to take charge temporarily until Ancelotti’s arrival.
This appointment positions the Italian tactician at the helm of the Brazilian squad for the 2024 Copa America and beyond. Considering the track record of the record five-time World Cup winners, AFP Sport highlights three compelling reasons why Ancelotti could prove to be successful.
One of Ancelotti’s notable strengths lies in his calm and warm character, a quality showcased in his book titled “Quiet Leadership.” This demeanor makes him an ideal candidate for one of football’s most high-pressure positions. Having achieved success at prominent European clubs such as Real Madrid, Chelsea, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain, Ancelotti has proven his ability to thrive in similar environments.
With arch-rivals Argentina currently reigning as world champions, the pressure on Brazil to succeed in the 2026 World Cup will be higher than ever. Ancelotti, who will be the first foreign manager to lead Brazil into a World Cup, possesses the unflappable nature necessary to navigate intense scrutiny from fans and the national media. Brazil legend Zico expressed his belief that Ancelotti’s respected stature makes him an ideal choice, stating, “Ancelotti would be ideal because everyone, including opponents, respects him. He knows football and is aware that players are more important than tactics.”
Another aspect that works in Ancelotti’s favor is his reputation as a superb man-manager. This skill will enable him to extract the best performances from a Brazilian national team brimming with talent. As Neymar approaches 34 years of age ahead of the 2026 World Cup, there is a strong possibility that the influential forward and talisman of this Brazilian generation may not feature. Vinicius Junior, who has flourished under Ancelotti’s tutelage at Real Madrid, is likely to emerge as Brazil’s key figure. The 22-year-old has transformed from a player often ridiculed for his inconsistent end product to becoming arguably the biggest star in the Spanish league.
Furthermore, Ancelotti’s impact at Real Madrid has extended beyond Vinicius Junior. The development of young talents like Rodrygo Goes and defender Eder Militao has been notable under his guidance. Rodrygo eagerly expressed his anticipation for Ancelotti to take over, stating, “We tell Ancelotti that we are waiting for him.” Even Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson jokingly mentioned that he wished to eliminate Real Madrid from the Champions League to expedite Ancelotti’s appointment with Brazil. However, Ederson and his teammates will have to wait until 2024 for Ancelotti to commence his duties unless there is an unexpected departure from Real Madrid.
For Ancelotti, this move represents a personal challenge. He stands as the only coach in history to have won all five of Europe’s major leagues, leaving the World Cup as the final piece in his illustrious career. As a player, Ancelotti clinched the Champions League twice with AC Milan, and as a coach, he replicated this feat twice with Milan and added two more triumphs while leading Real Madrid. His total of four Champions League victories positions him above all other managers.
Ancelotti’s return to Real Madrid in 2021, following a stint at Everton in 2019, has proven fruitful for both the coach and the club. As he prepares to
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