While Brazil announces Dorival’s dismissal, Ancelotti shares his thoughts on coaching Vinicius and Neymar
Brazil‘s national soccer team is in crisis following a heavy defeat against Argentina, and the pressure is mounting on current coach Dorival, whose time at the helm may be limited. As a result, Carlo Ancelotti‘s name has resurfaced as a potential replacement, similar to the situation after the Copa America. However, in his first press conference since the FIFA international break, the Real Madrid coach addressed the possibility.
Ancelotti’s response was clear, dismissing any chance of him taking the Brazil job: “I have a lot of affection for the Brazilian national team, the players, and their fans, but I have a contract with Real Madrid,” the Italian stated. “The contract speaks clearly; I have nothing to add to this.”
Ancelotti also confirmed that the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has not contacted him, nor did he discuss the matter with Ronaldo Nazário when they met some months ago. “I don’t recall having spoken with Ronaldo about this; we chatted about other things. We have spoken, we have seen each other, but not about this,” he emphasized.
Ronaldo Nazário claims he spoke with Ancelotti about Brazil job
The Real Madrid coach’s denial contradicts claims made by Ronaldo Nazário, who asserted that he had spoken with Ancelotti about the possibility of becoming the Brazilian national team coach. This occurred when the former striker was considering a run for the CBF presidency, a candidacy he ultimately abandoned.
“After negotiating everything stalled because he didn’t have the release from Real Madrid. It wasn’t a fantasy because I even helped in the process by talking with Ancelotti,” Ronaldo explained in an interview.
“If he hadn’t won anything, Real Madrid would have fired him, and he would have come, but he won the Champions League and stayed one more year. But they didn’t release him,” added the two-time Ballon d’Or winner and owner of Real Valladolid.
Dorival’s precarious position
The rumors surrounding Ancelotti’s potential arrival underscore the precarious position of current Brazil coach Dorival. The heavy defeat against Argentina has amplified calls for a change, and the CBF may feel pressured to act. However, with Ancelotti seemingly out of the picture, the CBF will need to explore other option.
Brazil’s national team has struggled to find stability in recent years, with a series of coaching changes failing to deliver consistent results. The CBF will be hoping that their next appointment can bring a sense of direction and restore Brazil to its former glory.