Brazil’s historic footballers celebrate Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival

ASUNCION – Carlo Ancelotti is one of the best coaches in the world and can change the poor performance of the Brazilian national team with experience and discipline, several former players from the five-time world champions said on May 14.

However, they also cautioned that his arrival will not mask certain “structural” deficiencies.

The 65-year-old Ancelotti, one of the most decorated coaches in world football, will become Brazil coach after leaving Real Madrid at the end of this season.

He was the first coach to capture titles in each of Europe’s top five leagues – England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France – and has guided Real to two Champions League and La Liga doubles in the last three seasons.

“I’m very happy, and I can’t believe there’s anyone who isn’t happy when the arrival of the best coach in the world is announced,” Felipe Melo, a three-time Copa Libertadores winner and World Cup player with Brazil in 2010, told reporters.

Since former coach Tite left the job in late 2022 following the Qatar World Cup, Ramon Menezes, Fernando Diniz and Dorival Jr have been in charge of the team.

“If we changed four coaches in less than three years, something isn’t working... In my opinion, Ancelotti was brought in to get results, so we have to help him,” said Dunga, a World Cup winner with Brazil in 1994 who also coached the Selecao from 2006 to 2010.

Brazil are currently fourth in Conmebol qualifiers as they seek to reach the 2026 World Cup Finals having won only six of 14 matches. Six teams will qualify for the tournament to be held in North America.

“He has a broader vision of the different football schools around the world, and I think that’s a great asset,” said Mauro Silva, a World Cup winner with Brazil in 1994.

“It’s a delicate moment for Brazilian football. We have some structural issues, but all in all, I hope Ancelotti succeeds.”

Formiga, who holds the record for having played in seven Women’s World Cups and seven Olympic Games with Brazil, hoped that Ancelotti will have a quick “connection” with the team, so they can reach the World Cup without any problems.

“He doesn’t have much time, but I hope he and his coaching staff and the players can help each other as much as possible,” she said.

“You have to have the spirit and discipline to change everything that’s happening today; we have to believe it’s possible.”

The former players also addressed the words of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who a few days ago criticised current Selecao players, saying they are not at the same level as others from the past and are “very far” from the great teams. 

When asked, Silva said: “I think what’s happening is that everyone in Brazil misses winning titles, right?

“Now, by 2026, it will be 24 years since we’ve won a World Cup. Everyone is sad and hoping Brazil win something.”

Brazil won their fifth World Cup title in 2002, but have since experienced countless disappointments, including failing to lift the Cup at home in 2014.

“We miss the spirit we had before, of those who did so much for football, and that we don’t have today... So it’s fair to mention these players and say that this new generation should reflect their history,” he added.

Meanwhile, Ancelotti heaped praise on his young Real players, who helped a depleted Los Blancos fight back to beat Mallorca 2-1 on May 14, thanks to academy centre-back Jacobo Ramon’s dramatic winner in the fifth minute of stoppage time.

The win delayed Barcelona’s title celebrations and kept Real’s slim hopes alive but, while they have two games remaining, they are four points behind leaders Barca.

Barcelona, who have a game in hand, will claim their 28th La Liga title on May 15 if they beat city rivals Espanyol, in a match that kicked off after press time. REUTERS