Brazil s historic players celebrate Ancelotti s arrival and hope things will change

ASUNCION – Carlo Ancelotti is one of the best coaches in the world and can change the poor performance of the Brazilian national team with experience and discipline, several former players from the five-time world champions said on May 14.

However, they also cautioned that his arrival will not mask certain “structural” deficiencies.

The 65-year-old Ancelotti, one of the most decorated coaches in world football, will become Brazil coach after leaving Real Madrid at the end of this season.

He was the first coach to capture titles in each of Europe’s top five leagues – England, Spain, Germany, Italy and France – and has guided Real to two Champions League and La Liga doubles in the last three seasons.

“I’m very happy, and I can’t believe there’s anyone who isn’t happy when the arrival of the best coach in the world is announced,” Felipe Melo, a three-time Copa Libertadores winner and World Cup player with Brazil in 2010, told reporters.

Since former coach Tite left the job in late 2022 following the Qatar World Cup, Ramon Menezes, Fernando Diniz and Dorival Jr have been in charge of the team.

“If we changed four coaches in less than three years, something isn’t working... In my opinion, Ancelotti was brought in to get results, so we have to help him,” said Dunga, a World Cup winner with Brazil in 1994 who also coached the Selecao from 2006 to 2010.

Brazil are currently fourth in Conmebol qualifiers as they seek to reach the 2026 World Cup Finals having won only six of 14 matches. Six teams will qualify for the tournament to be held in North America.

“He has a broader vision of the different football schools around the world, and I think that’s a great asset,” said Mauro Silva, a World Cup