What awaits Carlos Ancelotti in Brazil, as Manager takes up new appointment

Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of Real Madrid, on Monday, May 12, 2025, officially agreed to become the new head coach of the Brazilian national football team, with his tenure scheduled to commence on May 26.

This will be right after the conclusion of the LaLiga season.

This move marks a historic milestone, as the 65-year-old Italian will become the first-ever permanent foreign manager in the history of Brazil’s national team.

The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) highlighted the symbolic importance of the appointment, describing it as a “landmark moment of the coming together of two icons.”

The CBF emphasized the historical and symbolic weight of this union, pointing to Brazil’s rich football heritage.

This includes their record five World Cup titles, and Ancelotti’s decorated career in European club football, where he has managed elite teams and won multiple major titles.

As Ancelotti prepares to take charge of Brazil’s men’s national football team, he steps into one of the most prestigious and high-pressure roles in world football.

His appointment marks a historic first: he will be the first permanent foreign coach to lead the Seleção, a team known not only for its five World Cup titles but also for its intense national pride and global expectations.

Here are what likely awaits Ancelotti as he begins this monumental challenge:

Immediate World Cup Qualification Pressure

Ancelotti’s first tests will come quickly, with Brazil set to face Paraguay and Ecuador in World Cup qualifiers.

These matches are critical, as Brazil has had a shaky run recently and sits behind in the South American qualification standings.

There will be immediate pressure for results, as fans and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) expect dominance in regional competition.

Uniting a Divided Squad

In recent years, Brazil’s national team has struggled with consistency, having gone through four head coaches in two and a half years.

This turnover has disrupted squad cohesion and tactical identity. Ancelotti will be tasked with uniting the current player pool, many of whom are young and playing across different leagues and styles.

Balancing emerging talents like Endrick and Rodrygo with experienced leaders like Casemiro or Marquinhos will require both diplomacy and strategic acumen.

Cultural and Language Adaptation

While Ancelotti is known for his calm demeanor and strong man-management, coaching Brazil involves more than tactics, it means adapting to a deeply passionate football culture.

He must bridge language barriers, embrace Brazil’s distinctive footballing identity, and win over fans, media, and former players who are often vocal in their opinions.

Unlike the club environment, national teams carry a different emotional weight in Brazil, where football is seen as a reflection of national identity.

High Expectations for Copa América and 2026 World Cup

The next major international tournament for Ancelotti will be the 2024 Copa América.

Expectations will be immense. Brazil is expected to win or at least reach the final, especially with Argentina currently reigning as both World Cup and Copa América champions.

Longer term, Ancelotti’s real test will come in 2026 at the FIFA World Cup, where anything short of a semi-final or final appearance will likely be seen as a failure by the Brazilian public and media.

Managing Star Power and Egos

Ancelotti is known for managing big personalities like Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Sergio Ramos, to name a few.

That experience will serve him well in Brazil, where the squad includes globally recognized stars like Vinícius Júnior, Neymar (if fit), and emerging talents with growing influence.

He will need to strike a balance between discipline and freedom, ensuring that players buy into his system while allowing them the creativity that defines Brazilian football.

Building a Tactical Identity

Brazil’s national team has lacked a clear tactical vision since the Tite era ended.

Ancelotti will have to instill a defined playing style that respects Brazil’s attacking traditions while remaining tactically robust, especially against top-tier European opponents.

His preferred 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formations, typically built on control and flexibility, may need adjustments to fit the Brazilian style and players.

Media Scrutiny and Fan Expectations

Brazilian football media is known for its intensity and round-the-clock coverage.

Ancelotti will be under constant scrutiny, from team selections to match tactics and even training ground decisions.

Any dip in performance will be met with fierce criticism.

Unlike European club football, where there are weekly matches to course-correct, international management offers fewer chances to recover from mistakes.

Legacy and Historical Impact

If successful, Ancelotti has a chance to make history, not just as Brazil’s first foreign head coach, but potentially as the man who leads them to their sixth World Cup.

Such a feat would immortalize him in Brazilian football history.

On the other hand, failure could see his reputation take a hit, especially given the high bar set by legends like Zagallo, Scolari, and Tite.

In summary, Ancelotti’s venture into international football with Brazil represents both a massive opportunity and a daunting challenge.

Football analysts believe that with his wealth of experience, tactical expertise, and ability to manage egos, he brings a rare pedigree to the role.

But in Brazil, style, results, and unity are non-negotiable.

The pressure will be immediate, and the expectations sky-high.

This role with Brazil will be Ancelotti’s first time leading a national team, having spent his entire coaching career up to this point in club football.

His international management debut follows a long and successful career managing top European clubs including AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid.

Though his time at Madrid included considerable success, including securing two LaLiga and UEFA Champions League titles since his return to the club in 2021, his current tenure is ending on a disappointing note.

Ancelotti is set to leave Real Madrid after a season in which the club failed to win any major trophies.

The recent defeat in El Clasico against arch-rivals Barcelona all but ensured that his final campaign with the Spanish giants will end trophyless.

This outcome marks a sour conclusion to an otherwise successful spell at the Bernabéu, where Ancelotti re-established the club as a dominant force in both domestic and European competitions during his most recent tenure.

Despite the lack of silverware in his final season, Ancelotti’s achievements with Real Madrid over the years have further cemented his reputation as one of the game’s top tacticians.

His extensive experience, calm leadership style, and ability to manage star-studded squads are qualities that the Brazilian federation hopes will translate well to the international stage.

Brazil’s national team has experienced instability in recent years, having gone through four different head coaches in just the past two and a half years.

The most recent departure came in March, when Dorival Junior parted ways with the team.

Ancelotti’s appointment is expected to bring much-needed stability and experience to a team looking to reclaim its dominance on the world stage.

The expectations are high as Brazil prepares for both the Copa América and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

With Ancelotti at the helm, the Brazilian Football Confederation is clearly signaling its intent to return to the summit of world football by blending local talent with world-class managerial expertise.

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