Carlo Ancelotti has formally begun his journey as Brazil’s head coach, marking his first expertise main a nationwide workforce. Tasked with securing early qualification for the 2026 World Cup, the Italian supervisor faces a tricky problem on Tuesday as Brazil prepares to tackle Paraguay. Fortuitously, Ancelotti has acquired a significant increase with the return of one in all his star gamers.
Brazil confirmed stable defensive group in Ancelotti’s debut, however the assault struggled to generate actual hazard. The goalless draw towards Ecuador in Guayaquil left loads of room for enchancment. Now, a key participant who missed that match may very well be the spark the workforce wants.
Carlo Ancelotti may have Raphinha again within the squad for the conflict towards Paraguay after the Barcelona winger served a one-game suspension. Raphinha had been booked in Brazil’s earlier match towards Argentina and was compelled to sit down out the Ecuador fixture.
“Raphinha’s return is sweet information for us as a result of he confirmed this previous season that he’s top-of-the-line gamers within the recreation proper now, and he’s going to assist us so much. Tomorrow’s match is essential — we have to carry out properly and transfer nearer to qualification, and Raphinha’s presence shall be essential,” said Ancelotti on Monday’s press convention.
Raphinha was a relentless headache in Ancelotti’s aspect in the course of the 2024–25 season when the coach was nonetheless at Actual Madrid. In 4 conferences between Barcelona and Madrid, the Brazilian winger got here out on prime each time, tallying 5 objectives and two assists.
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Now, the roles have reversed — Ancelotti is relying on Raphinha relatively than attempting to cease him. The 28-year-old is predicted to start out on the appropriate wing rather than Estevao, becoming a member of Vinicius Jr. on the left and Richarlison by the center to finish Brazil’s entrance line.
Ancelotti and the necessity for enchancment
Brazil has lengthy been identified for its attacking aptitude and iconic jogo bonito type, however lately, the nationwide workforce has struggled to mirror that custom. The 0–0 draw towards Ecuador left followers with a bittersweet style, because the teaching change didn’t instantly produce the attacking revival many had hoped for.
With simply over a yr till the World Cup, Ancelotti acknowledged the work nonetheless to be finished: “We’re satisfied that good work will be finished, however we want time. Within the first match, there have been some good issues and others not a lot. We’ve to enhance.”
He additionally spoke candidly concerning the expectations surrounding the workforce and the eagerness of Brazilian followers. “Criticism is regular — it is dependent upon what you do on the pitch. The thought is to play a superb match and get the followers concerned. We’ll attempt to put in an intense efficiency, play attacking soccer, however all the time with respect for Paraguay’s stage — they’re a powerful workforce,” he concluded.
