Ancelotti's Calculated Exit: Brazil's World Cup Dream and the Alonso Era Looms

Brazil Ready for a London Friendly

Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti, head coach of Brazil, says Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo are in excellent form ahead of the friendly against Senegal in London, part of Selecao's preparations for the 2026 World Cup.

The Brazil squad will face Senegal tonight in London as part of their warm-up schedule for the 2026 World Cup.

Speaking before the match, Ancelotti stressed the need to keep improving to be ready for the World Cup. "We must keep improving to be ready for the World Cup," he said.

"I'm happy with what we've shown so far, but we also recognize the mistakes we've made; now we can make mistakes, but at the World Cup a single mistake can send you home."

On the possibility of pairing Vinícius and Rodrygo, Ancelotti said: "Of course we can do that; they are used to playing together at Real Madrid, and they are in very good physical condition. I am convinced they will contribute a lot to the national team."

During this week's training, he spoke with Vinícius to understand both tactical and personal perspectives. "I talk with all players; it's important to know how they think, both tactically and personally," the coach said. "Ask them and listen to how they feel; that's an essential part of the job." He insisted he would not force anyone to play in a position they don't want, adding that the Vinícius conversation wasn’t about positions but personal matters. "The atmosphere is very good, and it's great to work in such a environment to reach the highest level," he noted.

He also said: "I won't pressure players into roles; they must play where they feel comfortable." He referenced his Real Madrid exit: "I left Real Madrid after this season to take charge of Brazil; it's a big challenge and a wonderful dream."

He recalled: "I was among the most successful coaches in Real Madrid history with 15 titles; the decision to leave for Brazil last summer was well thought out and unforgettable, even though leaving the Merengues was tough." In an AS interview, he described the farewell as emotional but meaningful: "I knew the day would come; I thought long and hard before deciding. The farewell with the Madrid fans was emotional; it was the best possible moment to depart. Coaching Brazil is a big challenge and a beautiful dream." He stressed that his Madrid tenure was more than just managing a locker room; his work was largely tactical and he helped integrate young players like Vinícius, Rodrygo, Valverde, and Jude Bellingham. "It's not a lie to say I was mostly focused on tactics," he asserted, while acknowledging the clean, healthy environment he fostered.

He attributed last season's shortcomings at Real Madrid to defensive injuries: "We almost lost the entire defense, from Carvajal to Militao, and even Rudiger faced issues. We tried players out of position, which upset balance and cost titles. It wasn't about the absence of Kroos or Modrić." He praised his successor Xabi Alonso, saying: "I was confident he'd succeed; I watch every Madrid match to follow the Brazilian players, and I see him leading the team well. But he must remember that in Madrid, even a draw can become a crisis."

Looking ahead, Ancelotti said the team remains defensively solid and offensively potent, with Mbappé in excellent form and Bellingham back at full strength. He predicted Alonso will achieve success without a doubt, adding, "The team is cohesive and the project is solid."

A legendary career

Ancelotti's coaching career blends deep experience with talent management, turning him into a benchmark in world football. Born on June 10, 1959, in Reggio Emilia, Italy, he began as a classy midfielder for clubs including Roma and AC Milan. He moved to management in the early 1990s with Reggina, then Parma, Fiorentina, and Juventus before taking charge of AC Milan in 2001. In Milan, he delivered European glory, winning the Champions League in 2003 in a dramatic final against Juventus and again in 2007, cementing his status among Europe’s elite.

He moved to Chelsea in 2009, lifting the English Premier League and the FA Cup, then PSG to claim the Ligue 1 title. He enjoyed two stints at Real Madrid, guiding the club to three Champions League titles along with domestic trophies, becoming one of the club's most decorated coaches with a total of 15 official titles. His philosophy blends flexible tactics with strong man-management, orchestrating harmony among stars while maintaining high performance. He is known for making in-game adjustments and a balanced attacking style that keeps the stars engaged.

In short, Ancelotti's influence spans generations, earning admiration from players and clubs alike. He is celebrated for building clean, professional environments and for developing talents like Vinícius, Rodrygo, Valverde, and Jude Bellingham. With such a track record, his voice remains a reference in modern football.

Two light sniper-style punchlines to end: If tactics were targets, Ancelotti would be a sniper—calm, precise, and always hitting the bullseye. And for Alonso, remember: in Madrid, even a draw can become a headline—stay sharp, young padawan.