Ancelotti to become next coach of Brazil, says report

Carlo Ancelotti could be set to become the next Brazil national team head coach. According to a report by ESPN Brazil, the current Real Madrid manager has verbally agreed to take on the job. The Italian coach is currently under contract with the reigning Champions League winners until the summer of 2024.

Ancelotti reportedly offered three-year deal for Brazil job

Nevertheless, the report claims that Ancelotti would start with Brazil after the current Real Madrid campaign is completed. The contract with the South American giants supposedly runs until after the 2026 World Cup. Canada, Mexico and the United States host the tournament.

Real Madrid currently have three key players in the squad that are Brazilian. Eder Militao, Rodrygo, and Vinicius Junior all have significant experience in the Brazil national team. The trio even featured in Brazil’s World Cup squad in Qatar. Ancelotti also supposedly has a close relationship with these players as well.

Patience in their coaching search

Brazil has been searching for a new coach for some time now. Former boss Tite revealed last February that he would be leaving his role as head coach following the 2022 World Cup. Brazil entered the tournament as one of the favorites. However, Croatia stunned the South Americans in the quarterfinals. Tite confirmed his departure from the team following the loss.

Brazilian Football Confederation president Ednaldo Rodrigues gave an update on the search for a new coach on Wednesday. Although he obviously did not mention Ancelotti by name, Rodrigues did make some interesting comments on the situation.

“We respect all those that we want to be part of a technical commission for the national team, but also respecting their clubs, their presidents, so that we can make contact, talk”, said Rodrigues.

“We are aware of the schedule for the 2026 World Cup, but we work with our feet on the ground, to choose the person who will lead the Brazilian team. That he fulfills his cycle and that he is not just an occasional coach who is interim.”

Despite the reports, Ancelotti himself has denied any agreement with Brazil. The coach was asked about the news on Friday. “I don’t know anything about this. I don’t even know what they reported in Brazil,” claimed the coach. “I’m Real Madrid coach. My contract is until June 2024.”

The national team, however, appears calm and patient in their search for a new head coach. Ancelotti has been linked with the job before and team officials seem willing to wait for their man.

PHOTO: IMAGO / Sven Simon