Brazil’s crushing 1-4 loss to bitter rivals Argentina in a recently ended high-profile friendly caused tremendous ire and dismay among supporters and the media.
In addition to revealing serious weaknesses in the team’s defensive organization and tactical framework, the crushing loss also placed current head coach Dorival Júnior in a difficult position.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is once again considering a coaching change due to growing public pressure, and Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti, who has long been associated with the Seleção, has resurfaced as the federation’s main target.
A Lost Chance in 2023—Ancelotti Returns to the Picture
After Tite left, the CBF had already approached Ancelotti in 2023 in the hopes of appointing him as the new head coach of the national team.
According to reports at the time, the Italian tactician showed sincere interest in leading Brazil, and negotiations went smoothly.
To remain faithful to Real Madrid, Ancelotti signed a contract extension that would keep him at the Bernabéu until 2026.
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The CBF then looked to Dorival Júnior, a well-liked coach with a solid track record in Brazilian domestic football. There were great expectations that he would provide stability to the national team and usher in a new era of achievement.
Unfortunately, the team has frequently come across as chaotic, especially when up against elite opponents, and the results have been patchy. Argentina’s recent humiliation seems to be the last straw, causing the CBF to reconsider its strategy.
CBF Is Clear About Its Goals—Ancelotti Is the Best Option
Despite Ancelotti’s current Real Madrid contract expiring in 2026, CBF President Ednaldo Rodrigues still believes the Italian veteran is the best person to guide Brazil into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to Brazilian publication GE Globo.
According to sources, first talks between Ancelotti’s team and the CBF have restarted and have been well received. Although he hasn’t committed, Ancelotti has reportedly stated that he would be open to resuming negotiations, but only after finishing his current duties with Real Madrid.
Ancelotti has stated unequivocally that getting Los Blancos ready for the FIFA Club World Cup in the summer of 2024 is his top priority right now. Therefore, any meaningful discussions will have to wait till the event is over.
Club World Cup Increases Pressure—CBF Must Make a Tough Choice
In late June and early July, Real Madrid will take part in the recently enlarged Club World Cup. Brazil will play Ecuador and Paraguay in two crucial CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying matches in early June.
These games are crucial because Brazil’s qualifying campaign has been lacking thus far. Given this circumstance, CBF President Rodrigues must decide whether to wait for Ancelotti or jeopardize Brazil’s prospects of qualifying under Dorival. Or should he hire a temporary coach to fill the void?
The CBF will have to make a crucial choice in the coming weeks that could affect the team’s success for years to come.
Madrid Is Getting Ready for Life After Ancelotti—A Brazil Window Opens
The current situation appears to be more conducive to the CBF’s pursuit of Ancelotti than it was in 2023.
The board of Real Madrid is reportedly already making plans for Ancelotti’s inevitable exit, according to many Spanish media outlets.
Their number one pick to replace him? Xabi Alonso is the current coach of Bayer Leverkusen and a former footballer for Real Madrid.
Brazil has a unique opportunity because to this succession plan: if Madrid is willing to let Ancelotti go after the Club World Cup, Brazil could hire him for the second half of 2024, which would give him plenty of time to get the team ready for the 2026 World Cup cycle.
Ancelotti is the perfect balance of experience, leadership, and flexibility for a club that is full of talent but lacks tactical direction.
Can Brazil’s Rebirth Be Led by Ancelotti?
Brazil is currently at a crossroads after going from being a record-setting five-time World Cup champion to a side that is having identity issues. Although fan enthusiasm has not decreased, the outcomes have raised increasing concerns.
Ancelotti’s appointment would constitute a long-term strategic shift rather than just a coaching change. His depth of experience, tactical acumen, and composure in high-pressure situations could give this young Brazilian team the framework they sorely need.
It’s unclear if Ancelotti will accept the challenge, but one thing is certain: the Seleção’s future will be decided in the coming months, as will whether a new era led by one of football’s most prestigious leaders is set to start.
