Football: Ancelotti a ‘big possibility’ for Brazil job, says Ederson

SAO PAULO – The uncertainty over who will become Brazil’s next coach has caused anxiety among the squad, goalkeeper Ederson said, adding that he and his teammates had discussed the “big possibility” of Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti taking the top job.

Tite stepped down from the role after Brazil went out of the World Cup quarter-finals to Croatia on penalties in Qatar in December.

The hot seat has been empty since, and Brazil’s football federation issued a statement in February denying a report they had reached a verbal agreement with Ancelotti, who is under contract at Spanish champions Real until 2024.

But Ederson thinks otherwise.

“There is a big possibility that he comes,” the Manchester City goalkeeper said ahead of Brazil’s friendly against Morocco in Tangier, where Under-20 coach Ramon Menezes will be in charge.

Ederson added that he had spoken with some Brazilian players who have played or are playing under Ancelotti at Real, including Casemiro, Vinicius Jr and Eder Militao.

“What I’ve been told about him is that he’s an exceptional coach, that everyone in the group likes, he’s a guy who has a very successful career, just look at his CV,” he said.

“We will see in the near future if he will be here or not.

“I hope we can have a new coach quickly. I feel the anticipation too because there’s too much speculation. Is it a Brazilian or a foreign coach? We are also living in a phase of anxiety.”

Ancelotti has won 24 trophies across his 28-year managerial career, including four Champions League titles, two for AC Milan and two in separate spells with Real.

However, the Italian has never taken charge of a national team, despite being one of the most respected coaches in world football.

The 63-year-old has also remained tight-lipped whenever he’s been asked about the Brazil job.

“My situation is very clear. I have a contract with Real Madrid until 2024,” he said recently.

“I intend to fulfil it, I’m not aware of what has been published in Brazil about me.”

While Ancelotti seems to be one of the favourites for Brazil, it is not easy to convince Brazilian fans to accept a foreigner in charge of the Selecao.

A poll in December found 48 per cent were against the idea, with only 41 per cent in favour.

There are potential Brazilian candidates, but none have garnered widespread support, forcing Brazilian Football Confederation president Ednaldo Rodrigues to widen his search.

“We have no nationality prejudices,” he said in January.

Besides Ancelotti, Spaniards Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique, Frenchman Zinedine Zidane, Jose Mourinho of Portugal and even Argentinians Marcelo Gallardo and Mauricio Pochettino had been linked to the job. REUTERS, AFP