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Tag: Ancelotti

  • Ancelotti confirms Estêvão  in Brazil’s  World Cup squad

    Ancelotti confirms Estêvão  in Brazil’s  World Cup squad

    Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has said Chelsea starlet Estêvão has earned himself a spot in the 2026 World Cup.

    Estêvão, 18, has stolen the limelight at Stamford Bridge since arriving at the club from Palmeiras for £29 million ($38m) in the summer.

    Asked if the Chelsea winger, who has scored three goals in five Champions League appearances, including a brilliant individual effort in the win against FC Barcelona last week, will feature for Brazil in next year’s big event, Ancelotti told Esporte Record: “I think so. “Based on how Estêvão has played in the last six months, I think so. Estêvão will be at the World Cup.”

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    Estêvão, who made his Brazil debut on Sept. 2024, has broken into Ancelotti’s starting XI and has scored four goals in his last three appearances for the national team. He has five goals in 11 caps for Brazil.

    “He is a very, very special player,” Ancelotti said. “He is very different because he has a big natural talent. It doesn’t mean that he is 100 percent developed because of his age. In terms of his talent, he can’t improve it but what he can do is to give continuity.”

    Estêvão has made 11 Premier League appearances for Enzo Maresca’s side, starting in five of those games.

    Ancelotti is encouraged by how Chelsea are helping Estêvão develop.

    “What can help is the physical aspect, the tactical learning and the mental approach because he is very young,” he said. “He is progressing very, very well at Chelsea. I haven’t spoken to Chelsea but I’m certain that they are doing a specific program with him in this sense.

    “So I think the national team has to take advantage of this talent because it’s a very big one.”

  • Ancelotti tips Morocco, Senegal as  W’CUP 2026 favourites 

    Ancelotti tips Morocco, Senegal as  W’CUP 2026 favourites 

    Legendary  Italian  coach, Carlo Ancelotti, believes Senegal  and Morocco would ruffle feathers  at next year’s  FIFA World Cup, adding the two African teams are ‘strong  and doing great’.

    The immediate past Real Madrid manager now attached with Brazil, will today lead the five-time world champions against the Teranga Lions of Senegal in a high profile international friendly at the Emirates Stadium-the home of Arsenal.

      Ahead of today’s duel, Brazil and Senegal have met twice in the past, both times in friendlies. The Brazilians have yet to claim a victory over Senegal. The first encounter ended in a 1-1 draw on October 10, 2019, while the second was won by Sadio Mané’s teammates, 4-2, on 20th June 2023.

    Speaking ahead of this afternoon’s encounter in London, Ancelotti in an exclusive interview with the famous Italian pink newspaper, Gazzetta dello Sport, said both Senegal and Morocco would not be ranked outsiders at the Mundial in North America, even as he predicted a Brazil versus Italy Final Match for the 23rd edition of the quadrennial international men’s soccer championship.

    Though  the Azzurri  are still  struggling  to earn  their ticket to the Mundial, Ancelotti  said Gennaro Gattuso’s Italy would eventually ride their luck through  the European Play-Offs in March.  

     “They’ll (Italy)  have to fight again through the playoffs, which is always complicated. I hope they qualify; they must qualify. Honestly, I think they will,” Ancelotti  reportedly told Gazzetta dello Sport as per Football Italia. “Then, we’ll meet in the final, and everyone will be happy. Italians, Brazilians and me especially. Emotionally, it would be wonderful.”

    Read Also: Ancelotti calls for mental resilience after Brazil’s first loss to Japan

    Pressed to pick  the favourites to win the World Cup next year, Ancelotti replied:  “France, Spain, England, Germany, Argentina, Portugal. The usual ones.

     “But be careful. With 48 teams, there will surely be surprises. Tomorrow we play Senegal, who beat England 3-1. They’re very strong. Same for Morocco, they’re doing great. You have to be ready and prepared.

     “I’m expecting a great World Cup. We’ll see what the draw says, especially geographically. Playing in three countries means venues can really matter.”

    The Italian tactician, a five-time Champions League winner, believes it is “not true” that Brazil fans necessarily want to see their national team play well.

     “Brazilians want to see the national team win the World Cup. Of course, if you play well, you have better chances of going far, but in 1994 and 2002, they had great forwards yet won thanks to a very solid defence. I think it will be the same in the next World Cup,” he argued.

     “We have high-level veterans and talented youngsters. We’re surrounded by incredible passion. They ask us to win the World Cup, and that’s what we’ll try to do. Brazil has been waiting far too long; they want the sixth title.”

  • Alemão tips Ancelotti to rejuvenate Brazil

    Alemão tips Ancelotti to rejuvenate Brazil

    Away from  this weekend’s LALIGA HYPERMOTION playoffs, Real Oviedo striker, Alemão , has described  the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti as Brazil’s Manager a huge morale booster , adding the famous Italian  tactician would bring to bear his Midas touch on the Seleção.

    Regarded as one of the greatest football managers of all time with a record  five  UEFA Champions League  titles under his belt as well as being champions  in all of Europe’s top five leagues, Ancelotti recently  left  Real Madrid  to take up  the Brazilian job.

    “ As you know,  Brazil  has the most titles in the history of the  World Cup  but   the last outing of Brazil at the last World Cup  (Qatar 2022) was  not good enough,” Alemão, the 27-year-old  Brazilian, told NationSport  during a  virtual conference ahead of  this weekend’s  LALIGA HYPERMOTION playoffs to determine the third promoted side to LALIGA EA SPORTS for next season.

    “ We  actually  didn’t see the level of Brazil  at this tournament  and I want to  believe Ancelotti would bring  lots of competition  to the team.”

     Admitting that  the Seleção faltered  to deceive at Qatar 2022  where they  crashed out in the quarter-finals albeit in a  penalty shoo-out loss to Croatia  after they both tied at 1-1, Alemão is optimistic that Ancelotti  would surely rejuvenate Brazil .

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    “ I think Brazil would really play as a team under  Ancelotti,” Alemão , a former player of Internacional de Porto Alegre of Brazil , further said.“ Now all the players  would realise that  they  have to give their best because if  anyone is not running as it should be , it would affect the   whole team.

    “ We have just one year to the next FIFA World Cup as such, Ancelotti doesn’t have much time but I hope he will  do an amazing  work with Brazil.

     “ We know that Brazil have  quality players and his experience as a football person which is simply amazing a coach which has won virtually everything , will be a big moment for the Brazilian national team.”

     “ It’s good that  a coach of that pedigree  is the  first  permanent foreign  manager for  Brazil,” he added.

    Yet  Alemão remains focussed   as his  LALIGA HYPERMOTION side, Real Oviedo , battle  with three others including Club Deportivo Mirandés,  Real Racing Club de Santander and Unión Deportiva Almería for the remaining third promotion ticket to LALIGA EA SPORT for next season.

    “ As for the promotion  into the LALIGA, we are going to do our best as a team,” Alemão, who clocked 27  on  1st April, noted.

  • Goodbye Carlo: Ancelotti won’t coach another club after Madrid departure

    Goodbye Carlo: Ancelotti won’t coach another club after Madrid departure

    Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said that he has no desire to coach another club in the future as the Italian prepares to leave the Spanish giants after four hugely successful years in his second tenure.

    The 65-year-old former Bayern Munich, AC Milan and Chelsea boss, one of the most decorated managers in world football, will become Brazil coach after leaving Real at the end of the season.

    “These are things I don’t know,” Ancelotti told reporters when asked if he would like to return to Real after his Brazil tenure ends. “I don’t feel like coaching another club, or I didn’t, after Madrid. That’s what I’ve said and I maintain. In the future… I don’t know. But the most immediate thing is to do well with Brazil.

    “I’m very excited to have the opportunity to not betray Madrid with any other club and to go to the national team with the most history, the five-time champions. It’s a great challenge, but I love being able to prepare for a World Cup with Brazil.”

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    His honours at Real include three Champions League titles, two LaLiga crowns, two Spanish Cups, two Spanish Super Cups, two Club World Cups, three UEFA Super Cups and one Intercontinental Cup.

    However, Real are set to finish this season without a trophy.

    Media reports have linked former Real midfielder Xabi Alonso as his replacement, with the Spaniard leaving German club Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season but Ancelotti said he had no advice for his former player.

    “Everyone has their own methodology, but let him enjoy Madrid. Xabi Alonso will be the first and I wish him all the luck in the world,” Ancelotti said when asked what advice he has for future Madrid coaches.

    “He has the quality to coach Madrid. Let him enjoy it.”

    Second-placed Real host 11th -placed Real Sociedad  today in their final game of the season.

    The match will also mark the final game of Croatian midfielder Luka Modric at the Santiago Bernabeu.

    The 39-year-old Modric, the club’s most decorated player and the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner, will leave Madrid after the Club World Cup.

    “I get emotional very quickly. It’s going to be an emotional day. If I start crying, there’s no problem,” Ancelotti said.

    “It will be nice and I share it with Modric… who has been a spectacular support in this stage at Madrid. Someone fantastic, a legend. To say goodbye with him will be nice.”

  • Brazil’s soccer legends celebrate Ancelotti’s arrival

    Brazil’s soccer legends celebrate Ancelotti’s arrival

    Carlo Ancelotti is one of the best coaches in the world and can change the poor performance of the Brazilian national team with experience and discipline, several former players of the five-time world champion said on Wednesday, but they cautioned his arrival will not mask certain “structural” deficiencies.

    The 65-year-old Ancelotti, one of the most decorated managers in world football, will become Brazil coach after leaving Real Madrid at the end of the season.

    He became the first manager to capture titles in each of Europe’s top five leagues, for England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France, and has guided Real to two Champions League and LaLiga doubles in three seasons.

    “I’m very happy, and I can’t believe there’s anyone who isn’t happy when the arrival of the best coach in the world is announced,” Felipe Melo, a three-time Copa Libertadores winner and World Cup player with Brazil in 2010, told reporters.

    Since Tite left the job in late 2022, Ramon Menezes, Fernando Diniz, and Dorival Jr. have been in charge of the team.

    “If we changed four coaches in less than three years, something isn’t working (…) In my opinion, Ancelotti was brought in to get results, so we have to help him,” said Dunga, a World Cup winner with Brazil in 1994 and former coach of the national team.

    Brazil is in fourth place in CONMEBOL as it seeks to qualify for the 2026 World Cup having won only six of 14 matches. Six teams will qualify for next year’s World Cup.

    “He has a broader vision of the different football schools around the world, and I think that’s a great asset,” said Mauro Silva, a World Cup winner with Brazil in 1994.

    “It’s a delicate moment for Brazilian football. We have some structural issues, but all in all, I hope Ancelotti succeeds.”

    Former soccer player Formiga, who holds the record for having played in seven Women World Cups and seven Olympic Games with Brazil, hoped that Ancelotti would have a quick “connection” with the team so they could reach the World Cup without any problems.

    “He doesn’t have much time, but I hope he and his coaching staff and the players can help each other as much as possible (…) You have to have the spirit and discipline to change everything that’s happening today; we have to believe it’s possible”.

    Read Also: Ancelotti to leave Real Madrid to coach Brazil

    The former players also addressed the words of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who a few days ago criticised the current Brazil international players, saying that they aren’t at the same level than others from the past and are “very far” from the great teams.

    When asked by Reuters, Mauro Silva said: “I think what’s happening is that everyone in Brazil misses winning titles, right? Now, by 2026, it will be 24 years since we’ve won a World Cup. Everyone is sad and hoping Brazil wins something.”

    Brazil won its fifth World Cup title in 2002, but has since experienced countless disappointments, including failing to lift the Cup at home in 2014.

    “We miss the spirit we had before, of those who did so much for football, and that we don’t have today (…) So it’s fair to mention these players and say that this new generation should reflect their history,” she added.

  • Ancelotti to leave Real Madrid to coach Brazil

    Ancelotti to leave Real Madrid to coach Brazil

    Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti will leave the Spanish club at the end of the season to become the new national team coach of Brazil.

    The 65-year-old Italian will officially take charge of Brazil on 26 May following the conclusion of the La Liga season.

    He leaves the Santiago Bernabeu as one of the club’s most successful managers.

    Ancelotti won 15 trophies across two spells as Real manager and last season led Los Blancos to a Champions League and La Liga double.

    However, his exit from Real comes after Sunday’s El Clasico defeat left Real seven points behind leaders Barcelona with three games remaining.

    Barring a spectacular collapse from Barcelona, that result all but confirmed that Real will end the season without a trophy for the first time in four years.

    A statement from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said Ancelotti was a “legend of the game” and acknowledged the significance of a foreign coach taking charge of the team.

    “This landmark moment sees the coming together of two icons — the only five-time FIFA World Cup champions, and a coach with an unmatched record across Europe’s elite competitions,” the CBF said.

    Read Also: Copa del Rey: Ancelotti tips Mbappe to face Barcelona

    “The CBF warmly welcomes Mr Ancelotti and looks forward to a new era of success under his leadership.”

    In their statement, the CBF thanked Real president Florentino Perez for “facilitating the coach’s release during his contract term” and also acknowledged Brazilian businessman Diego Fernandes for his role in the deal.

    Ancelotti’s current deal with Real was set to expire in June 2026.

    The Italian takes over the Brazil job from Dorival Junior, who was sacked in March after they lost 4-1 to arch-rivals Argentina in World Cup qualifying.

    Brazil sit fourth in the South American group, having lost five of 14 games, although are still well placed to qualify for the 2026 finals.

    Ancelotti’s first games in charge of Brazil will be the Selecao’s World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Ecuador next month.

    Brazil have not won the World Cup since 2002 and the last time they were Copa America champions was in 2019.

    During a 30-year managerial career Ancelotti has been in charge of some of the giants of European football, including Juventus, AC Milan, Paris St-Germain and Bayern Munich.

    He has won league titles in Italy, Spain, France, Germany and England.

    Former Real, Liverpool and Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso, 43, is set to replace Ancelotti in the Bernabeu hot seat.

    Alonso announced last Friday he was leaving German side Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season and Real are said to want him in place before the start of next month’s Club World Cup.

  • Ancelotti to leave Real Madrid to coach Brazil

    Ancelotti to leave Real Madrid to coach Brazil

    Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti will leave the Spanish club at the end of the season to become the new national team coach of Brazil.

    The 65-year-old Italian will officially take charge of Brazil on 26 May following the conclusion of the La Liga season.

    He leaves the Santiago Bernabeu as one of the club’s most successful managers.

    Ancelotti won 15 trophies across two spells as Real manager and last season led Los Blancos to a Champions League and La Liga double.

    However, his exit from Real comes after Sunday’s El Clasico defeat left Real seven points behind leaders Barcelona with three games remaining.

    Barring a spectacular collapse from Barcelona, that result all but confirmed that Real will end the season without a trophy for the first time in four years.

    A statement from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said Ancelotti was a “legend of the game” and acknowledged the significance of a foreign coach taking charge of the team.

    “This landmark moment sees the coming together of two icons — the only five-time Fifa World Cup champions, and a coach with an unmatched record across Europe’s elite competitions,” the CBF said.

    “The CBF warmly welcomes Mr Ancelotti and looks forward to a new era of success under his leadership.”

    In their statement, the CBF also thanked Real president Florentino Perez for “facilitating the coach’s release during his contract term”.

    Ancelotti’s current deal with Real was set to expire in June 2026.

    The Italian takes over the Brazil job from Dorival Junior, who was sacked in March after they lost 4-1 to arch-rivals Argentina in World Cup qualifying.

    Read Also: Brazil set Ancelotti deadline as Madrid exit looms

    Brazil sit fourth in the South American group, having lost five of 14 games, although are still well placed to qualify for the 2026 finals.

    Ancelotti’s first games in charge of Brazil will be the Selecao’s World Cup qualifiers against Paraguay and Ecuador next month.

    Brazil have not won the World Cup since 2002 and the last time they were Copa America champions was in 2019.

    During a 30-year managerial career Ancelotti has been in charge of some of the giants of European football, including Juventus, AC Milan, Paris St-Germain and Bayern Munich.

    He has won league titles in Italy, Spain, France, Germany and England.

    Former Real, Liverpool and Spain midfielder Xabi Alonso, 43, is set to replace Ancelotti in the Bernabeu hot seat.

    Alonso announced last Friday he was leaving German side Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season and Real are said to want him in place before the start of next month’s Club World Cup.

    BBC

  • Brazil set Ancelotti deadline as Madrid exit looms

    Brazil set Ancelotti deadline as Madrid exit looms

    Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti looks to be edging closer to an exit from the club at the end of 2024/25 season.

    Ancelotti’s current contract in the Spanish capital runs until the end of the 2025/26 campaign but his position is under major pressure.

    A UEFA Champions League exit at the hands of Arsenal earlier this month was thee trigger point and a Copa del Rey final defeat to Barcelona appears to have confirmed the inevitable.

    Club president Florentino Perez is preparing for crunch talks with the Italian coach to decide when and how he will leave the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

    Ancelotti is expected to see out the remainder of the domestic season, with the La Liga title race still in the balance, as he aims to chase down Barcelona.

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    Xabi Alonso has been highlighted as the favourite to come in, with the former midfielder citing a clause in his Bayer Leverkusen contract to leave the BayArena for one of his former clubs.

    As per previous reports from The Athletic’s David Ornstein, Ancelotti will leave and take up the vacant Brazil national team job.

    The Samba Boys have been targeting Ancelotti for over 12 months and the position has become open again following the sacking of Dorvial Junior.

    Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, and multiple other outlets are claiming a deal is effectively done, with Brazil ‘very confident’ over securing Ancelotti as talks continue in Madrid.

    The key issue now focuses on when Ancelotti will leave and how quickly Brazil can bring him in with the latter wanting a deal wrapped up before the FIFA Club World Cup kicks off in June.Real Madrid want Alonso in place for the start of that tournament, but a caretaker could step in if needed, and Brazil want Ancelotti in place for their 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay at the start of June.

  • Copa del Rey: Ancelotti tips Mbappe to face Barcelona

    Copa del Rey: Ancelotti tips Mbappe to face Barcelona

    Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said striker Kylian Mbappe is poised to return from injury to face rivals Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final on Saturday.

    Mbappe missed Madrid’s win over Athletic Bilbao on Sunday in La Liga and will not be available for the visit to face Getafe tonight.

    The French superstar was substituted with an ankle problem during Madrid’s Champions League elimination by Arsenal last week, but along with compatriot Ferland Mendy, should be fit for the Clasico.

    “For tomorrow’s game they will not be ready, but they will train on these days, and I think they will be available for the game on Saturday,” Ancelotti told a news conference.

    Mbappe was whistled by some Madrid fans when he appeared on screens at the Santiago Bernabeu during Madrid’s 1-0 win against Athletic, which kept them four points behind leaders Barcelona in the title race.

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    “Mbappe is hurting because of his injury, because he cannot help the team – he’s doing everything he can to be ready for Saturday,” continued Ancelotti.

    Without Mbappe, their top scorer this season with 33 goals, and using an extra midfielder, Madrid were more solid defensively against Athletic.

    “I think the problems we have had this season have been quite evident,” said Ancelotti.

    “We have changed the way we play a bit because we have players with different characteristics.

    “We’ve found it difficult to find this balance, and I hope we can find it in the run-in, because we’ve got a lot on the line… in the games that are left, if we don’t have it, it will be hard to win.”

  • Ancelotti questioned as Real Madrid face Alaves

    Ancelotti questioned as Real Madrid face Alaves

    Carlo Ancelotti and his faltering Real Madrid side are under the microscope ahead of their visit to Alaves tomorrow, fighting to break out of a slump and stay in the La Liga title race.

    Los Blancos are four points behind leaders Barcelona, who visit Leganes on Saturday, and need to bounce back from their 3-0 thrashing by Arsenal on Tuesday in the Champions League.

    Madrid host Arsenal on Wednesday in the second leg of that tie, in which they insist they can come back, but by focussing on that they would be at risk of slipping up in Vitoria.

    Alaves, 17th , are fighting for La Liga survival and despite Madrid’s status as Spanish and European champions, will believe they can get at Ancelotti’s fragile side.

    They have let in 11 goals in the last four games and have suffered two consecutive defeats, by Arsenal and last weekend in La Liga against Valencia.

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    “I feel responsible for what happened,” admitted Ancelotti after the crushing loss at the Emirates.

    Madrid’s defeat has led to reports in Spanish media that they will not keep coach Ancelotti beyond the end of the season, with Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso, a former Madrid star, linked.

    After just two defeats across all competitions last season, this season Madrid have suffered 11.

    “Ancelotti is playing… for the credibility of his project, and maybe his position ahead of next season,” wrote Madrid daily Marca.

    Ancelotti may insist his team work together more against Alaves, criticising his collection of stars for trying to fight their way back individually after Declan Rice’s free-kick double for Arsenal.