Introduction to Carlo Ancelotti and His New Role
Carlo Ancelotti, known as “Mr. Champions,” has been appointed to lead Brazil’s national soccer team, aiming to restore the prestige of the five-time World Cup winners who have been struggling recently. The Italian manager, 65, transitions from his position at Real Madrid following a disappointing period for the Spanish club.
Background on Carlo Ancelotti
Ancelotti is a highly accomplished coach, having won the Champions League five times with Milan, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain. His reputation as one of the most successful managers in football history precedes him, making his new role with Brazil’s national team a significant and intriguing development.
The Brazilian Football Confederation’s Announcement
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced that Ancelotti will take charge of the Seleção, stating, “The greatest football nation in history will now be led by the most successful coach in the world, Carlo Ancelotti.”
Ancelotti’s Immediate Task
His primary mission is to reverse Brazil’s poor performance in the South American World Cup qualifiers, with upcoming matches against Ecuador and Paraguay in June. Ancelotti will guide the team “up to the 2026 World Cup,” as per the CBF’s statement.
Details of Ancelotti’s Contract and Previous Coaches
CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues confirmed that Ancelotti will fulfill his commitments with Real Madrid until the end of the La Liga season. Ancelotti will earn approximately €10 million annually (around $11.2 million) for coaching the national team, according to sports portal GE.
Rodrigues had previously expressed interest in hiring Ancelotti starting from the 2024 Copa América. However, those plans fell through when Ancelotti joined Real Madrid. The Spanish club recently suffered eliminations in the Champions League, Copa del Rey, and is nearly out of contention for La Liga after a 4-3 loss to Barcelona with only three matches remaining in the season.
Ancelotti’s Unique Position
As the first foreign coach of Brazil’s national team since Argentine Felipão Núñez led a friendly match in 1965, Ancelotti faces the challenge of adapting to a new environment while maintaining his winning track record. He will be the third coach of Brazil’s absolute team since the current South American World Cup qualifiers began.
Recent Coaching History of Brazil
Fernando Diniz and Dorival Júnior preceded Ancelotti, both being dismissed following losses to arch-rival Argentina, led by Lionel Messi. Brazil currently sits in fourth place in the qualifiers with 21 points from 14 games, trailing Argentina (already qualified) and Ecuador (23 points) and Uruguay (21 points).
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Carlo Ancelotti? An Italian soccer manager with an illustrious career, having won the Champions League five times with Milan, Chelsea, and Paris Saint-Germain.
- Why was Ancelotti appointed to coach Brazil? To restore the prestige of Brazil’s national team, which has been struggling recently and currently sits fourth in the South American World Cup qualifiers.
- What is Ancelotti’s immediate task? To improve Brazil’s performance in upcoming World Cup qualifier matches against Ecuador and Paraguay in June.
- What is Ancelotti’s contract with Brazil? He will earn around €10 million annually (approximately $11.2 million) to coach the national team until the 2026 World Cup.
- Who were the previous coaches of Brazil? Fernando Diniz and Dorival Júnior, both dismissed following losses to Argentina.
