Carlo Ancelotti Gives New Life to Brazil’s World Cup Dreams

Last week, Brazil appointed Carlo Ancelotti as their next coach, making the former Real Madrid boss the man expected to deliver the nation its sixth World Cup title. In the midst of a tumultuous World Cup qualifying campaign, Ancelotti must galvanize the squad, get the best out of his superstars, and build the nation’s support before he and his players jet off to the tournament in just over a year.

Brazil currently sit fourth in the qualifying table, where the top six nations automatically qualify. They are six points above seventh place with six games remaining, putting them in a favorable position to qualify barring a complete collapse. However, this is the country with the most World Cups ever. The five-time champions are not just trying to qualify, they aim to dominate. A squad brimming with world class talent all across the field, filled with established superstars, rising gems, and experienced veterans should not be struggling as much as they are.

While Brazil have mostly gotten the job done against the smaller nations in qualifying, only two of their wins have come by more than one goal. Against top-tier South American opposition, they have consistently struggled. Their 1-0 home victory over Ecuador is the only time they have beaten a team above them in the table, which was hardly an upset.

Even moments of promise have quickly faded. After a dramatic 2-1 win over Colombia, sealed by a late Vinicius Jr. goal, Brazil crumbled days later in a 4-1 defeat to Argentina. They’ve also tied Venezuela twice and lost to Paraguay, two teams they typically dominate.

Ancelotti is famous for his top-tier man management, the type of coach who builds strong relationships with his star players, entrusting them with freedom and responsibility with the expectation he is repaid with match-winning displays. The Italian has already worked with a few members of the Brazilian squad, including Vinicius Jr., Rodrygo, Endrick, Casemiro, and Richarlison. It will be crucial for Ancelotti to build on his previous relationships as well as form new ones with other key players.

The only manager to win the league in five European countries, Ancelotti holds a record five UEFA Champions League trophies. His extensive resume commands immediate credibility within the Brazilian squad, a crucial factor in stabilizing a squad desperate for leadership. However, coaching can only take a team so far. At some point, the players must deliver.

Vinicius Jr has never been able to replicate his club form on the international stage, with just six goals in 39 appearances for Brazil. Rodrygo, who played under Ancelotti at Real Madrid, has been in a poor run of form for months. Raphinha has reached new levels this season at Barcelona, and while he has performed admirably in some cases for Brazil, the consistency has not been there. There is untapped output across the front line.

Defensively, Brazil have been more reliable. Marquinhos and Murillo, center backs at different stages in their careers, both have had strong club seasons. But they wilted in the drubbing to Argentina. Still, they boast one of the world’s best goalies in Alisson, and a renewed sense of structure and confidence could go a long way.

The midfield lacks the supreme talent of past Brazilian sides, with Joao Gomes, Joelinton, and Andre being solid players but not difference makers. It would be unsurprising to see Ancelotti bring Casemiro back into the fold, a player he relied on heavily with Real Madrid who is having a resurgence this year at Manchester United.

There are also a few wild cards. Endrick and Estevao William are highly touted teenagers with game-breaking potential. Endrick’s ball-striking and rugged mentality can create a goal at any moment, while Estevao’s dribbling and creativity have made him a star in the domestic league. However, with just 18 senior national team appearances between them, neither has proven ready to shoulder the burden- at least not yet. That could change with a year of development.

Of course, Brazil’s World Cup dreams cannot be discussed without mentioning Neymar. One of the most talented players ever, his career has been derailed by injuries in recent years. While he may never be the same player he was at the last World Cup, if he can get healthy enough to just be a super sub, then Brazil’s entire outlook changes. He remains the emotional and spiritual leader of the team, and Ancelotti has a track record of getting the best out of elite talent. If Neymar is fit and sharp, he could still be decisive.

Much has gone wrong for Brazil this campaign. They have lacked structure, consistency, and stability. The stars have underperformed, and role players haven’t stepped up. Despite this, qualification remains likely. Now they’ve added one of the greatest managers ever whose career is built upon getting the best out of world-class talent.

There is a lot of work to be done, but Brazil is far from out. With Ancelotti at the helm, some hope is restored and expectation grows.