Football: Morocco stun Brazil for first time in friendly, Ancelotti an obvious choice to helm Selecao says CBF chief
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Morocco's coach Walid Regragui (centre) and his players greet fans after they stunned Brazil 2-1 in a friendly on March 26.
PHOTO: AFP
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TANGIERS – Captain Casemiro insisted a new-look Brazil side did not “lack understanding” as they tried to carry out interim coach Ramon Menezes’ instructions in their stunning 2-1 loss to Morocco in a friendly.
Menezes may not be at the helm for long, however, as Brazilian football association (CBF) president Ednaldo Rodrigues admitted later that Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti would be an obvious choice to fill their vacant coaching position.
Morocco had suffered defeats in their two other meetings with Brazil – 2-0 in a 1997 friendly and 3-0 in the 1998 World Cup.
“I wouldn’t say we lacked understanding, it’s about putting into practice the ideas of a new coach,” said Manchester United’s midfielder Casemiro, who scored the Selecao’s only goal.
“I think we played a good game and did everything as far as possible to win.”
However, debutant midfielder Raphael Veiga seemed to contradict that view.
The 27-year-old from Palmeiras, who came off the bench, said: “There are many new players.
“Of course, when you’re going to play against a well-coached team like that, in an atmosphere like that, it’s normal that with young boys, the teamwork isn’t going to be the same as a team that’s been together for a long time.”
Only 10 of the 23-man squad that saw Brazil to a disappointing quarter-final exit at the World Cup made the trip to Morocco.
The injured Neymar was again missing, with his No. 10 shirt passed to Real Madrid youngster Rodrygo.
Brazil also had a new man in the dugout with Menezes having replaced Tite, who stepped down after the World Cup.
Cheered on by 65,000 fans in a sold-out Ibn Batouta Stadium in Tangier, Brazil were more aggressive and controlled possession, while World Cup 2022 semi-finalists Morocco were always dangerous on the counter.
Palmeiras winger Rony, who was making his Brazil debut, missed a sitter before midfielder Sofiane Boufal, a former Southampton winger who now plays for Al Rayyan in Qatar, gave Morocco the lead after 29 minutes, scoring with a powerful turn and drive from a pass by Bilal El Khannous.
Yassine Bounou, who had twice made blunders in the first half, was eventually punished by Casemiro, who levelled in the 67th minute when his weak shot was fumbled by the Morocco goalkeeper.
But on-loan Sampdoria midfielder Abdelhamid Sabiri struck the winner with a volley in the 79th minute, as Morocco showed that becoming the first Arab or African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals in 2022 was no fluke.
Menezes was quoted by Brazilian media as saying: “It was not the result we expected, but we played against a great team and gave opportunities to some players, that is very important...
“We thought in the early stages of strengthening the defensive system a little more – especially on the flanks, since Morocco are very strong on the flanks, especially on the right, with (Achraf) Hakimi and (Hakim) Ziyech.
“(Lucas) Paqueta was providing support with (Alex) Telles, sometimes Casemiro was also helping there, giving Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo some freedom.”
Rodrigues’ idea is to have the new coach in place before the next international break in June.
He acknowledged that 63-year-old Ancelotti was his main target and everyone’s favourite, telling Reuters in an exclusive interview: “Ancelotti is unanimously respected among players.
“Not only Ronaldo Nazario or Vinicius Junior but all those that have played for him...
“Ancelotti is not only the players’ favourite but it seems the fans’ too. Everywhere I go in Brazil, in every stadium, he is the first name the supporters ask me about.”
Despite speaking highly of the Italian, Rodrigues pointed out that Brazil must respect the due process, as Ancelotti is under contract with Real Madrid until 2024.
He said that no formal contact has been made by the CBF with Ancelotti or any other coach and that they will start to talk to the candidates in mid-April with the objective of announcing their new coach by the end of May.
While Ancelotti is the target and Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola is considered unattainable, other coaches like AS Roma’s Jose Mourinho or Fenerbahce’s Jorge Jesus are also seen as possible contenders. Fluminense’s Fernando Diniz is also said to be an option.
AFP, REUTERS
