Carlo Ancelotti has officially stepped into his new role as head coach of the Brazil national team, marking a significant shift in his illustrious career. In an exclusive interview with Marca, the Italian tactician opened up about why he left Real Madrid, what drew him to Brazil, and how he plans to bring the Seleção back to the pinnacle of world football.
Why Brazil? “Because it’s the best national team in the world.”
Ancelotti was clear and direct when asked why he chose Brazil: “It’s simple because it’s the best national team in the world.” He pointed to the five stars stitched above the team’s crest, symbolising their five World Cup triumphs. “That speaks for itself. No other national team has that history.”
While he’s Italian by birth, Ancelotti revealed that Brazil reached out to him two years ago. At the time, he opted to renew with Real Madrid out of loyalty, but circumstances have since changed. After an underwhelming season and an early Champions League exit, the time felt right for a new challenge.
“I had an honest conversation with the club after Arsenal knocked us out. It was clear to both sides that it was time for a change,” Ancelotti said.
An Emotional Farewell to Madrid
Despite the mutual parting, Ancelotti admitted it was an emotional farewell. The send-off at the Santiago Bernabéu left a deep impression.
“That day was one of the most emotional moments of my career,” he said. “From the players and staff to the fans and Florentino Pérez, it felt like a big family saying goodbye.”
But the veteran coach also made it clear: this isn’t a final goodbye. “You never truly leave Real Madrid,” he smiled.
Now with Brazil, Ancelotti wants to instil the same values that brought him success at the Bernabéu. He emphasised humility, unity, and trust as key ingredients for building a winning team.
“Unlike a club, a national team represents the soul of an entire country. That passion is something I’ve always admired,” he said. “To win again, Brazil needs to stand behind its national team. The players need to feel that support.”
He envisions a Brazilian side that plays with pace, cohesion, and attacking intent, qualities he saw in the 2022/23 Real Madrid squad, which he believes was faster and more aggressive than the one he left this year.
On Mbappé, Vini Jr., and Xabi Alonso
When asked about new Real Madrid signing Kylian Mbappé, Ancelotti revealed he had one message for the Frenchman upon arrival: “With your goals, we must win the Champions League.”
He also praised Vinícius Jr., describing him as “exceptional, resilient, and committed,” and said he has complete confidence the winger will rise to the occasion in a Brazil shirt.
Ancelotti’s successor, Xabi Alonso, also earned high praise. “He’s done a phenomenal job at Bayer Leverkusen and knows Real Madrid inside out. He doesn’t need my advice, he’s the perfect fit.”
Reimagining the ‘Joga Bonito’
Brazilian fans often yearn for the return of “joga bonito,” the beautiful game. Ancelotti addressed this, saying beauty alone doesn’t win trophies in the modern game, but adaptability does.
“I’m not tied to one system. I’ll build the tactics around the players’ strengths. That’s how modern football works. Rigid systems aren’t smart; flexible ones win tournaments,” he explained.
Carlo Ancelotti now embarks on a new mission, one arguably grander than any he’s taken on before: leading Brazil to a record-extending sixth World Cup title.
With a coaching resume that includes league titles in all five major European leagues, Ancelotti has nothing left to prove at the club level. Now, the eyes of a football-obsessed nation are upon him, and the road to World Cup 2026 has officially begun.