For some time now, Real Madrid’s Brazil contingent have been joking with Carlo Ancelotti about him becoming their new boss at international level.
“They laugh about it,” the Italian told reporters only last month. “But we haven’t really talked about it. We’re friends, they’re jokes, they laugh. But the reality is different: I have a contract until 2024.”
The reality now, though, is that the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) is deadly serious about appointing Ancelotti as the successor to Tite, who stepped down after the Selecao’s shock quarter-final loss to Croatia at the 2022 World Cup.
And it’s hard to think of a move that makes more sense in the world of football right now.
What more can he Ancelotti achieve at club level?
Ancelotti’s preference, as he has publicly stated on several occasions, is to see out his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu.
He, and countless others, would argue that he has earned that right, after leading Madrid to a Champions League and Primera Division double last season.
But this is Ancelotti’s second stint in the Spanish capital; he knows perfectly well how things work at Real. One ‘poor’ season by the club’s incredibly high standards and the coach is show the exit door.
So, with Madrid having fallen a shocking 12 points behind bitter rivals Barcelona in La Liga, Ancelotti is on the brink.
Only a successful European Cup defence could save him, and that’s obviously not beyond this squad of big-game players, or indeed the most successful coach in the tournament’s history. The Champions League always brings the best out of Ancelotti & Co.
However, there’s no denying that Madrid are up against it this season, having placed on the wrong side of the draw, and they will need even more of the resilience, quality and, let’s face it, good fortune they had last season to retain their crown.
Even if Ancelotti were to claim a fifth Champions League, though, it would still feel like the ideal time for him to walk because there’s nothing more he could achieve at club level.
Remember, he’s also the only coach in history to win all five of the ‘Big Five’ leagues. Taking charge of an international team is the final frontier for him.
Brazil can offer him the chance to effectively complete football by winning a World Cup.
Ancelotti: The players and fans’ favourite
Brazil would also offer him the warmest of welcomes. CBF president Ednaldo went public with his pursuit of Ancelotti on Monday, telling Reuters: “Ancelotti is unanimously respected among players. Not only Ronaldo Nazario or Vinicius Jr but all those that have played for him.
“I really admire him for his honesty in the way he works and how constant his work is. He needs no introduction. He is really a top coach who has several achievements and we hope he can have even more.
“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.
“They talk about him in a very affectionate way, in recognition of the exemplary work he has done in his career.
“Let’s have faith in God, wait for the appropriate time and we’ll see if we can make it happen as we look for the new coach of the Brazilian national team.”
According to the latest reports, the CBF are going all-in on Ancelotti. At present, he is the only name on their shortlist. He is the man they want, and it’s easy to understand why.
‘Just look at his CV’
The Selecao squad is full of superstars and Ancelotti is arguably the best man-manager in the world, a man renowned for being able to unite divided dressing rooms and deal with the game’s biggest egos.
His tactical acumen is often overlooked for this reason but there is no denying that Ancelotti’s laissez-faire approach works well with top talents. The results speak for themselves.
His easy-going and affable personality is also key. Eden Hazard may not be a fan but you’d be hard pressed to find many other players with anything negative to say about Ancelotti.
He endears himself to his charges and he already has a special bond with Madrid’s Brazil stars Vinicius Junior, Eder Militao and Rodrygo, as well as former Blancos midfielder Casemiro.
Indeed, Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has revealed that he has already spoken to his compatriots about Ancelotti and is desperate for him to take over the national team.
“There’s a big possibility that he is going to become the new coach of Brazil,” he said. “He’s an exceptional coach, everyone in his group likes him.
“He’s had a victorious career. Just look at his CV. We will know shortly whether he will be here or not.”
Ederson even quipped, “We (Man City) will try to eliminate Real Madrid (in the Champions League) so that Ancelotti can come to Brazil as quickly as possible!”
Again, more jokes, but further evidence of just how serious the Selecao are about hiring Ancelotti.
Honestly, he’d be mad to turn them down at this stage of his career.
With a World Cup winners’ medal around his neck, Mr. Champions League would have a serious claim on the title of the greatest coach in football history. Source: goal.com
