In a surprising twist, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has voiced his criticism regarding the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti as the new coach for the Brazilian national football team. President Lula, in an interview with TV station SBT on Thursday, suggested that Ancelotti should prioritize sorting out the issues faced by the Italian national team, rather than taking charge of Brazil.
Carlo Ancelotti, a renowned Italian coach with a remarkable track record of winning the Champions League four times, will assume the position before the upcoming Copa America tournament in the United States, having fulfilled the final year of his contract with Real Madrid.
Expressing his respect for Ancelotti, President Lula stated, “I admire Ancelotti, but he has never been Italy’s national coach.” He further questioned the decision, saying, “Why does he not resolve Italy’s problem, who did not qualify for the 2022 World Cup?” The 77-year-old former president’s remarks highlight his skepticism about Ancelotti’s ability to lead the Brazilian team.
In the interim period, Fernando Diniz, the current coach of Fluminense, will take charge of the Brazilian national team for their opening 2026 World Cup qualifiers. President Lula, who revealed his support for Diniz, emphasized his qualities, stating, “I am a fan of Diniz. He has the personality, the creativity, and it is he who commands the dressing room.”
The decision by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) to appoint the 64-year-old Ancelotti reflects their belief that one of the most successful coaches in European football history will guide Brazil to their sixth World Cup trophy, the first since their victory in 2002. This desire for success has grown even stronger after their bitter rivals, Argentina, emerged victorious in the 2022 World Cup held in Qatar.
Brazil’s previous coach, Tite, resigned following the team’s elimination in the quarter-finals. President Lula commented on the challenges faced by coaches, stating, “It is very easy to coach a club in Europe with 11 international players in the team. What is difficult is to come here and coach Corinthians (who are currently at risk of relegation from the top league).”
President Lula expressed his pessimism regarding the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, believing that the present generation of Brazilian players presents a significant challenge for any coach. He stated, “The problem is not Diniz, the problem is that we do not possess the same level of players we had in previous eras.”
Ancelotti’s appointment as Brazil’s coach marks the fourth time a non-Brazilian will lead the national team. The last non-Brazilian coach was Argentine Filpo Nunez, who was in charge for a single game back in 1965.
As the Brazilian national team ventures into a new era with Ancelotti at the helm, it remains to be seen how the experienced Italian coach will navigate the challenges and expectations placed upon him by the Brazilian Football Confederation, the fans, and now, President Lula’s scrutiny.
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