Ancelotti’s Commitment to Brazil and Insights on World Cup Preparations

omidbasir- Carlo Ancelotti is poised to appear in the next episode of “Universo Valdano.” In a preview interview quoted by AS, Ancelotti shared his satisfaction with the Brazil national team, amidst reports of a potential verbal agreement for a contract extension.

The 66-year-old embarked on his inaugural journey in international management in May 2025, following a successful four-year tenure as Real Madrid’s manager during his second spell at the club. Brazil, historically one of the favorites, heads into the upcoming World Cup aiming to break a 24-year drought since their last victory in 2002, despite being perceived as slightly trailing behind the front-runners.

Currently ranked fifth in the world, Brazil finds itself behind European champions Spain, Argentina, France, and England. However, with Ancelotti likely at the helm for the next two World Cups, there is optimism within the team to reclaim the prestigious title.

When asked about his future with the national team, Ancelotti stated, “I believe I will renew for four years with Brazil. It’s a new job, I like it a lot.”

He also commented on Vinicius Jr., a player he previously managed at Real Madrid: “I’ve spoken with him. A player must respect the coach and his teammates. He’s significantly improved his attitude on the field,” he noted.

Ancelotti further remarked on the unique characteristics of Brazilian players, saying, “Brazilians are very humble; they are quite different. The Vinicius who comes here is very different from the one at Real Madrid, on a human level.” This interview took place at the Brazilian Football Confederation’s facilities.

Vinicius Jr. has recently encountered allegations of racial abuse from Gianluca Prestianni during a Champions League knockout match, with an investigation currently underway.

Reflecting on the situation at Real Madrid, where his successor Xabi Alonso was dismissed last month and Alvaro Arbeloa now leads, Ancelotti commented, “He [Alonso] faced difficulties. The ability to adapt is crucial for a coach, and creating the right environment requires time that isn’t always available.”

When asked about a potential return to Santiago Bernabeu for a third stint, Ancelotti responded thoughtfully, “That’s a good question…” leaving his long-term future open to interpretation. For now, his commitment remains firmly with the Brazil national team.

Ancelotti’s impending four-year contract with Brazil not only represents a significant boost for the Selecao but also poses a setback for clubs like Real Madrid and Manchester United that may have been eyeing the Italian tactician for future appointments.

With a proven track record of success on the grandest stages and experience managing high-profile athletes, Ancelotti faces the challenge of leading a Brazil squad that, while not as star-studded as previous generations, still boasts world-class talent. The nation’s expectations for success are high, making this a formidable yet promising undertaking for both the manager and the federation.

As the World Cup approaches in just 112 days, preparations are in full swing concerning squad planning and logistics in the host nations of the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Nonetheless, challenges remain, such as a stadium licensing dispute that may result in Brazil’s Group C rivals, Scotland, potentially having two fixtures relocated in the months leading up to the tournament.