Tag: Carlo Ancelotti

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has urged his players to develop greater mental resilience after they suffered a shock 3-2 defeat by Japan in Tokyo on Tuesday, their first-ever loss to the Asian side.

The Italian emphasized the need to learn from the errors that led to the hosts’ stunning second-half comeback as he prepares his squad for next year’s World Cup in North America.

Ancelotti, who took charge in May following Brazil’s inconsistent World Cup qualifying campaign, has focused on building a team that is both adaptable and mentally robust.

Despite showing signs of progress in recent matches, Tuesday’s defeat highlighted areas requiring improvement and called into question the coach’s decision to field a heavily rotated side from Friday’s commanding 5-0 win over South Korea.

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“No, everything is not fine. When the team loses, we are upset, which is normal. Everyone is upset. I don’t like to lose, and neither do the players. We have to learn from this defeat, as we always do in football,” Ancelotti told a press conference.

“Until (Fabricio) Bruno’s mistake on the first goal, the game was well controlled. After that, the team fell apart mentally. That was the team’s biggest mistake,” he said. “I don’t think the second half was bad overall, but the error had too much of an impact on the players.”

When asked if such mistakes could influence squad selection for the World Cup, Ancelotti dismissed the notion, instead focused on the team’s collective response.

“Individual mistakes do not affect a player’s presence in the team. What we have to evaluate is the team’s reaction after the first mistake, which was not good because we lost a little of our balance on the pitch, our positive thinking. It’s a good lesson for the future,” he said.

Brazil’s next fixtures are friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia in November, to be played in England and France respectively.

“This and the next international break are testing periods, and we will continue testing in November,” Ancelotti said. “The team played very well against Korea, well in the first half today, and very poorly in the second half.

“In the World Cup, we have to strike a balance. We must learn from our mistakes. It was a good lesson tonight. I think we need to find balance in what we do. It’s a process…”

Neymar remains in Brazil’s plans but the forward needs to be fully fit to earn a recall to the squad as he looks to reignite his international career ahead of next year’s World Cup, coach Carlo Ancelotti  has said.

Neymar, 33, has not featured for Brazil in two years, with injuries hampering his ability to perform consistently since returning to Santos last year after a stint in Saudi Arabia.

Ancelotti, speaking ahead of Brazil’s friendly against Japan in Tokyo on Tuesday, praised Neymar’s talent but stressed the importance of his physical condition.

“Neymar can play at his highest level in this team without any problems,” the Italian told reporters. “When he is in good physical condition, he has the quality to play not only in Brazil but in any team in the world because of his talent.”

The former Barcelona and Paris St Germain forward last wore the famous yellow jersey in October 2023, when he suffered serious knee ligament damage that has plagued comeback attempts.

Brazil head into Tuesday’s match buoyed by an emphatic 5-0 victory over South Korea last Friday, a performance that showcased their ability to entertain with the “beautiful game.”

However, Ancelotti emphasised that balance and teamwork remain paramount.

“The Brazilian national team wants to play beautiful football and can play it, yes, but it depends on what you mean by beautiful game,” he said.

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“Of course, the players have individual quality and commitment. You have to play beautifully with the ball and also without the ball, which is an important aspect.”

The Italian, who took over in May after a tricky World Cup qualifying campaign, has prioritised attitude and adaptability in the limited time before the tournament in North America.

Since taking charge, Ancelotti has overseen three wins, a draw and one defeat. Under him Brazil have become more defensively solid, conceding only one goal — a penalty against Bolivia in the high altitude of El Alto — while scoring nine.

On Friday in Seoul, the coach included four forwards in his starting eleven — Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo, Matheus Cunha and teenager Estevao — and Brazil overwhelmed the home side.

Tuesday’s clash with Japan provides another opportunity for Ancelotti to refine his tactical approach.

Reflecting on the team’s progress, he added: “Commitment and teamwork are essential. Playing beautifully is important, but the most important thing is to win.”

Carlo Ancelotti said he was proud of the legacy he had built in four mostly successful years in his second tenure at Real Madrid and will only have good memories as he heads to Brazil to take over the five-time world champions.

Today’s LaLiga match at home to Mallorca was on the back burner during the pre-match press conference one day after the Brazilian FA (CBF) announced that the Italian would become Brazil coach after leaving Real at the end of the season.

All but the opening question from Real’s in-house TV channel were related to Ancelotti’s imminent move, but he said his focus will be in Spain until he travels to Brazil on May 25.

“There have been some unforgettable years that I’ll carry dearly close to my heart,” Ancelotti told reporters. “Football, like life itself, is full of adventures that begin but eventually have to end. I always knew that one day it would come to an end my time here at Real.”

“It has been a wonderful period which is coming to an end. A great time. But if even life comes to an end, imagine what it’s like when a period with a football team comes to an end.

“I’ve enjoyed it, and I want to finish it well. And then, on the 26th, I’ll talk about another challenge.”

The fact Real have yet to officially announce Ancelotti’s departure was raised by reporters but he played it down and said everything was done in accordance with all the parts involved.

“Real will issue a statement when they think adequate, but there is no problem or issue between all parts whatsoever,” Ancelotti said.

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“I never had problems with Real and never will have problems with Real. It’s a club that lives dearly in my heart, but everything in life has a date to end.”

The 65-year-old Ancelotti, one of the most decorated managers in world football, has steered Real to even more trophies in his second spell with the Spanish giants but they are set to finish this season without any silverware.

Second-placed Real are seven points adrift of Barcelona, who could secure the league title on Wednesday without kicking a ball if Real fail to beat Mallorca.

Regardless of Real’s result, a Barca victory in the city derby at Espanyol tomorrow  would clinch the title.

An official announcement on Ancelotti is expected before Madrid’s last game of the season at home to Real Sociedad on May 25, with the club’s former midfielder Xabi Alonso, 43, set to be his replacement.

“I am very fond of (Alonso). I don’t have any advice for him because he has all the tools to be a great coach in the future,” Ancelotti said of a player he coached at Real during his first spell in charge.

“The day I arrived, if someone had told me I would win 11 titles in four years, I would have signed (for) it in blood. This season hasn’t gone well for many reasons. But it has been an unforgettable period.

“I couldn’t be Madrid coach for the rest of my life. It comes to an end for many reasons. The club may need a new impetus. I’m not making a big deal out of it.

“A thousand thanks to this club. And we’ll carry on. I’ll always be a Madrid fan. It’s the end of an era. Spectacular. I never thought I’d coach Madrid for six years, and now it’s happened.”

Carlo Ancelotti said Real Madrid will face immense pressure in their Champions League last 16 second leg derby at Atletico Madrid tonight, but backed his players to rise to the occasion.

Champions Los Blancos hold a 2-1 first leg lead ahead of their visit to city rivals Atletico’s Metropolitano stadium.

The record 15-time winners boast a strong record against Atletico over the years in Europe, most notably beating them in the 2014 and 2016 finals.

“The motivation and the pressure will be very high,” Ancelotti told reporters. “We’re doing well, motivated like always in (the Champions League), it’s a hard game and we know it.

“We have the confidence to continue in this competition, which is a very special one.

“It will be an even game, decided by small details, that’s how (facing Atletico) has always been and it will be the same tomorrow.”

The Italian coach said if the tie comes down to a penalty shoot-out, his team’s mental strength will be more important than their technical ability.

“I’ve had players who shoot penalties very well but they didn’t have the right feeling going into a shoot-out,” explained Ancelotti.

“The mental aspect is more important than the technical side… I’ve won Champions Leagues with defenders who scored penalties.”

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Ancelotti, who led AC Milan to glory as a coach in 2003 and 2007, before lifting the competition with Real Madrid in 2014, 2022 and 2024, also said he did not mind if one of his players does not want to take a spot kick.

“It’s not bad if someone says they don’t want to take one – you have to take the responsibility when you’re feeling right,” he added.

Last season Atletico Madrid fought back in the last 16 to beat Inter Milan on penalties after losing the first leg in Italy.

Madrid striker Kylian Mbappe missed penalties against Liverpool and Athletic Bilbao towards the end of 2024 during moments of low confidence, but has hit form since.

However he failed to score in the first leg against Atletico on a quiet night for the French superstar and came in for criticism.

“Kylian wants to score in, and win, every game,” said his compatriot, Real Madrid midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni.

“It’s wild to hear (people say) he has had difficult days because he didn’t score in a couple of games, if he scores tomorrow, everyone will say he’s an incredible player.

“Kylian doesn’t need advice from anyone, he’s happy, he’s scored a lot of goals and he will score a lot more.”

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said Tuesday his Manchester City counterpart Pep Guardiola was deliberately underestimating the English side’s hopes of reaching the Champions League last 16.

European champions Madrid hold a 3-2 lead on City, who have struggled this season and are fourth in the Premier League, ahead of the play-off round second leg tonight at the Santiago Bernabeu.

After thrashing Newcastle 4-0 on Saturday, Guardiola said English champions City have only a one percent chance of ousting the record 15-time European Cup winners.

“He does not truly think that, tomorrow I’ll ask him before the game – do you really think you’ve got a one percent chance?” Ancelotti told his news conference yesterday. “He really thinks they’ve got more chance than that… we don’t think we have 99 percent chance.

“We think we have a small advantage that we have to take advantage of, and try to play the same game we set up in the first leg, which went well.”

Ancelotti confirmed defender Antonio Rudiger was fit to start for the holders after injury but Lucas Vazquez would only be ready for the bench.

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The coach reiterated his frustration with Spanish refereeing, following some controversial decisions which went against his side in recent La Liga matches.

Ancelotti said he was more comfortable with refereeing in the Champions League.

“Statistics speak for themselves, in Europe there’s less controversy in this sense, there are less VAR interventions,” said Ancelotti. “The VAR only intervenes when it’s necessary, and usually the Champions League features the best referees from each country, so the quality is very high in this sense.”

England international Jude Bellingham was sent off for dissent during Madrid’s 1-1 draw at Osasuna on Saturday in La Liga.

Bellingham’s team-mate Federico Valverde said he did not want the midfielder to change his ways.

 “What I want is players who leave their soul out on the pitch, in this case with Jude in the last game, I always want him to be like that,” Valverde told reporters. “Jude is a player who shows character, who always wants to win, who always wants to fight.

“This time he got a red card, but I like that he’s giving everything, his spikiness… we have to stay united as a team.”

Carlo Ancelotti will have to decide by May whether he wants to take charge of the Brazil National Team, as the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) reportedly informed the Real Madrid coach that they will not wait for him any longer.

It is no secret that the Italian tactician has been a potential target of the CBF since the departure of manager Tite, with persistent rumours linking the 65-year-old with a move to the five-time World Cup winners, although he never publicly declared his intention to leave the Spanish giants.

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Recent reports from Spain suggested that Ancelotti’s tenure at the Santiago Bernabeu is expected to be over at the end of the season, and this would be the last occasion for the former Milan and Rome manager to become the new coach of Brazil.

According to OK Diario, the CBF contacted Ancelotti’s entourage in the aftermath of the Spanish Supercup, informing him that they expect him to make a final decision within May.

Dorival Junior is currently Brazil’s head coach, but his results throughout the World Cup qualifying campaign have been inconsistent, which is why the football federation is still looking for more reliable alternatives with a view to the 2026 World Cup.

Real Madrid are a much better team than they were a month ago but must be wary of a “quality” Pachuca side, manager Carlo Ancelotti said on the eve of Wednesday’s FIFA Intercontinental Cup final against the Mexican outfit.

Since suffering a 2-0 defeat at Liverpool in the Champions League, Madrid have won three and drawn one of their last five matches across all competitions.

Madrid sit third in LaLiga with 37 points from 17 matches, one fewer than leaders Barcelona, who have played a game more.

Pachuca, meanwhile, beat Egyptian side Al-Ahly 6-5 on penalties after a goalless draw to reach the Intercontinental Cup final. But Ancelotti was not underestimating their opponents.

“I think we’re going into this match better than we were a month ago. We are very motivated and excited to bring back the old Intercontinental Cup,” Ancelotti told reporters ahead of the clash at the Lusail Stadium in Qatar.

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“Every match is a trap, if Pachuca have got here it’s because they have something. We have to respect them for what they are and for the quality they have. A final is always a special emotion and a worry before the game…,” he added.

“They have their own characteristics, it will be a very important match for them. They have a very clear system, they are a very dynamic team. I expect an entertaining match.”

On the injury front, Madrid will not take any risks with forward Kylian Mbappe.

The 25-year-old France captain, who was replaced during the first half of Madrid’s 3-2 win at Atalanta in the Champions League last week, was diagnosed with an injury to his left thigh and missed Saturday’s 3-3 LaLiga draw at 13th-placed Rayo Vallecano.

“Kylian’s situation is simple, he trained yesterday and had a good feeling. Today will be important where he has to evaluate his feelings,” Ancelotti said.

“If he’s fine, he’ll play, but if there’s even the slightest risk, he won’t play. Yesterday’s sensations were very good and we are optimistic.”

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said on Friday that he does not fear LaLiga leaders Barcelona but has the utmost respect for Hansi Flick’s side, who they host today.

Barca lead the standings three points ahead of their rivals. While Ancelotti praised Barca’s recent form, he highlighted the fact that Real are the defending champions and will not be intimidated.

“Fortunately, at the moment nobody keeps me awake at night,” Ancelotti told a press conference on Friday.

“(Barcelona) are doing very well. But in a match like the Clasico it’s very difficult to pick a favourite beforehand. It depends on the dynamics of the match. It’s a matter of how you are able to handle the pressure, to deal with the tempo and how to identify the moments of the match…

“Barca have a very clear idea of how they play the game, they are performing very well. They are a very brave team and we need to prepare well for the game and try to play our best version.”

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Barca travel to Madrid off the back of a 4-1 Champions League win over Bayern Munich on Wednesday, maintaining Flick’s outstanding start with 11 wins from 13 matches in all competitions.

Real, however, have been under moderate criticism from pundits about starting their games slow, raising questions about their motivation after winning both the LaLiga and Champions League titles last season.

The latest example was in their Champions League clash against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday, when they had to fight back from two goals down after a dismal first-half and scored five goals after the break.

Ancelotti said that he is not worried about his players’ mindset and believes they will be ready from the start due to the seriousness of their rivalry.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said that he has no plans to retire as he prepares for his 300^th  match in charge in a LaLiga clash against Alaves.

Unbeaten in the league for a year and after a remarkable 2023-24 season in which he guided Real to a Champions League and LaLiga double, the 65-year-old Italian said that he would love to stay in the Spanish capital for many years to come.

“I’m not thinking about my future whatsoever, I love this job,” Ancelotti, who is in his second spell as Real manager, told a press conference ahead of  today’s game.

“I have been lucky enough to coach great clubs, tomorrow it will be my 300^th  game at the best club in the world, it is something special to be in this dugout, to do it 300 times is not quite a miracle, but it is almost a miracle.

“Sure, you can’t compare my tiredness with that of the players. There is pressure, responsibility, but I love it. At the moment I don’t see me having an expiry date, I’d love to stay here for many years to come.”

Real’s only two losses last season were both to local rivals Atletico Madrid, a 3-1 defeat in LaLiga on Sept. 24 2023 and a 4-2 extra-time loss in the Copa del Rey last 16 in January.

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Ancelotti’s side have now gone 38 league games unbeaten, closing in on the record held by Barcelona, who went 43 games without defeat between April 2017 and May 2018.

The coach praised the resilience of his players who have repeatedly found ways to salvage a result despite sometimes having key members of the squad injured.

“Some records are about winning and others are about not losing. We are coming from a very long run and that means a lot of success, because draws often help you a lot,” Ancelotti said.

“I think that in football, if you can’t win, at least don’t lose. Sometimes a draw gives a better feeling than a defeat. Defeat gives options to improve, that’s true. But the success of the Champions League in the past lies in our solidity, in the way we compete.

“It has taken us a while to find this solidity at the start of the season, but we are going to find it, because the mental attitude of the players is very good.”

Real Madrid are second in the LaLiga standings on 14 points, four behind leaders Barcelona.