In an exclusive interview, Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has opened up about his approach to management, the challenge of leading the Seleção back to World Cup glory, and the futures of stars like Neymar and Vinícius Júnior. The 66-year-old Italian, who took charge in May 2025 after a glittering spell at Real Madrid, insists he is not obsessed with winning the World Cup but rather driven by a deep passion for the game.
Ancelotti on Ambition and Passion
When asked if he considers himself ambitious, Ancelotti leaned back with a smile. 'Me? I'm not ambitious. Why? Why are you asking that?' Despite his unparalleled record—five Champions League titles and league crowns in five different countries—Ancelotti downplays his drive for silverware. 'I'm not obsessed with winning the World Cup, but I have the pleasure and passion to enjoy the moment I'm living in, leading the most important national team in the world.'
Having participated in World Cups as a player and assistant coach, this tournament marks his first as a head coach. Brazil's drought since 2002 equals their longest barren spell since 1970 to 1994, but Ancelotti remains unfazed. 'I couldn't live without football,' he said. 'If I'm no longer on the pitch, I'll be there as a fan watching the match. For me, watching a match on the TV isn't work. It's a pleasure.'
Building Relationships and Tactical Acumen
Many former players, including Kaká, Toni Kroos, and Vinícius Júnior, regard Ancelotti as the best coach they have worked with. He attributes this to his approach: 'Maybe it's my attitude, the way I behave towards the players, the respect I show them as people. I place great value on building those personal relationships.'
Dismissing claims that he is merely a 'man-management coach' without tactical nous, Ancelotti countered: 'I don't win titles just because of my relationship with the players. The relationships help because it allows you to get the most out of the player. Sometimes even more than the maximum. But that is just one part of the game. It doesn't matter to me whether people say I am or I am not a good tactician. All I can say is that I know all aspects of the game very well.'
Adapting to Modern Football and Brazilian Culture
Ancelotti, who will extend his contract until 2030, acknowledges the evolution of the sport. 'Football continues to change. I try to adapt to what's happening. Football today is more analytical, much more intense, more physical. Some tactics, particularly defensive ones, aren't as important today as they were 10 years ago.'
Having worked with over 40 Brazilian players during his career, Ancelotti feels a strong connection to the nation. 'I really like the Brazilian spirit. Brazilians have a special love for the yellow jersey. This special love for the national team is very much a Brazilian trait. In other countries, the national team isn't as important as it is in Brazil.' He also admires the country's cultural values: 'Brazil has preserved its own culture. It's a country that knows how to value the importance of family and religion. These are things that Europe has lost.'
Religion and Faith
Ancelotti, a Catholic, spoke about the role of faith in his life. 'Religion has taught me good things like how to conduct myself in life, how to respect others. I am Catholic and religion has been very important to me and has taught me to be a good person in the world.' When asked if he prays about injury problems, he laughed before turning serious. 'It is a concern. We've already had three major injuries. I hope we don't have any more problems before the World Cup.'
Managing Vinícius Júnior and Neymar
Vinícius Júnior has struggled to replicate his Real Madrid form for Brazil, with eight goals in 47 internationals. Ancelotti explained how he plans to unlock his potential. 'Look, the responsibility he carries for Brazil is huge, especially recently. This responsibility can be a burden for him. Our job in the national team is to take some of that weight off his shoulders so he can play with joy, energy and all the qualities he possesses. I see Vinícius as I saw him at Real Madrid: a spectacular player and a spectacular person who can win a match on his own. He'll be very important for Brazil at the World Cup. But being the No 1? The star player? We don't need a No 1. We can't focus everything on just one player. We must think as a team. That's the only way to win the World Cup.'
Regarding Neymar, who has not played for Brazil since October 2023 and is now 34, Ancelotti was categorical. 'Neymar's call-up depends only on him. It depends on what the player shows on the pitch. That's a very clear criteria and that is not only for Neymar. With most players you need to assess talent and physical condition. With Neymar we only need to assess his physical condition because his talent is beyond question. It depends on him, not on me.' A Datafolha survey showed 53% of Brazilians want Neymar at the World Cup, with 34% against.
Thiago Silva and Leadership
Another veteran, Thiago Silva, aged 41, is hoping for a fifth World Cup appearance after a strong season with Porto. 'Thiago Silva is on the radar, yes,' said Ancelotti. 'He's been playing very well, he won the Portuguese league and is in a great physical condition. Leaders are important. Fortunately, this squad has highly respected leaders. Leaders who don't say much but set a good example, such as Alisson, Casemiro, Marquinhos and Raphinha. In that sense, the squad is in good hands.'
World Cup Memories and Expectations
This will be Ancelotti's fourth World Cup. He played in 1986 and 1990 and was an assistant coach in 1994, when Brazil beat Italy on penalties. Returning to the US after 32 years brings nostalgia. 'In 1994 the matches were at midday in New York with temperatures of 43C (109F). Now the kick-off times are better. The weather won't be a problem as it was in 1994.'
Ancelotti sees parallels between managing Real Madrid and Brazil. 'The most important thing I learned at Real Madrid, and which I use in Brazil, is high standards. When you are demanding you have a better chance of winning. Real Madrid is the most successful club in the world because the club is demanding of everyone who works there. If you are demanding, you get the best out of everyone.'
A Dog Lover's Perspective
Away from football, Ancelotti finds solace in his dogs. 'I have three dogs who are in Canada. A dog isn't a person, but it's more loyal than a person. A dog doesn't care if you win or lose. They don't blame you. When you get home, whether you've won or lost, the dog doesn't care. The important thing is that you're home with them.'
Path to World Cup Glory
Brazil face Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland in their group. When asked what it will take to become world champions, Ancelotti replied simply: 'Talent. I have a very talented squad. Also, the motivation that this country has to win again after 24 years is enormous. I'm convinced we're going to have a great World Cup.'
