Brazil manager Carlo Ancelotti believes his side can go all the way at next year’s World Cup and insists Xabi Alonso has all the attributes to succeed as head coach of Real Madrid, the club Ancelotti managed for six years across two spells.
In an interview with AS published on Wednesday, the 66-year-old spoke candidly on a wide range of topics, including his decision to take the Brazil job, the “strong character” of Vinicius Junior, and the likelihood of Neymar returning to the international stage.
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On Brazil’s chances at the 2026 World Cup
Ancelotti, the only coach in history to have lifted the Champions League on five occasions, enjoyed a glittering managerial career at the Bernabeu, winning 15 trophies, including Europe’s elite club competition three times.
He departed in the summer to become boss of the Selecao, who have not won a men’s World Cup since 2002. But the Italian believes he can enjoy more success at football’s showpiece event in the US, Mexico and Canada next year.
“We have the quality to compete and fight for the World Cup,” Ancelotti said.
“The goal is to win our sixth World Championship, and that’s what we need to keep in mind to stay motivated.
“The passion of the fans is incredible. The stadiums are always full and the people are incredibly devoted to their clubs. And also to the national team. They dream of Brazil competing for titles again.
“That’s going to help us at the World Cup.”
His opinion on Vinicius Junior and Neymar
Despite having a squad littered with talent, much of Brazil’s hopes of triumph will rest on the shoulders of Vinicius, who Ancelotti managed during his time in the Spanish capital.
And while he admitted the winger has not emulated his club form on the international stage, Ancelotti is in doubt of the 25-year-olds qualities.
“With the national team, he [Vinicius] hasn’t been able to reach the level he usually has at Real Madrid.
“But in these last few matches, he’s improved and has done very well with Brazil, scoring goals and providing assists. Nobody can dispute his qualities. Vini is top-class.”
Asked about Vinicius’ recent outburst after being substituted in Los Blancos’ 2-1 El Clasico win over Barcelona, which he later apologised for but prompted rumours of growing tensions with Alonso, Ancelotti called the player’s actions “a mistake”.
He said: “He [Vinicius] simply made a mistake that day and needs to understand his new role at Real Madrid, a more important role in the dressing room than before. He made a mistake, he apologised, and he must learn from it.”
Ancelotti added that losing out on the 2024 Ballon d’Or after boycotting the ceremony, he believes, impacted Vinicius but hailed his strength of character.
“It might have affected him a little, but now Vini is close to his best form. He’s playing very well and is being decisive.
“Vini has a strong character; he doesn’t dwell too much on his mistakes or the criticism he receives. He looks ahead very quickly. I’m sure Vini will arrive at the World Cup in top condition.”
The Brazil boss did not conclusively rule out a return to the squad for Neymar, who has not featured for for the Selecao since 2023, but Ancelotti suggested fitness could be an issue for the 33-year-old Santos player.
“No one can dispute Neymar’s talent, but he’s had problems with injuries lately,” Ancelotti said.
“He’s back playing now, but he needs to regain his best physical condition. It’s normal in today’s football, which is very physically demanding and intense.”
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