No country has ever won the FIFA World Cup with a foreign-born coach, but Brazil’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti believes that could soon change.
The Italian, who became Brazil’s first overseas manager in six decades when he took over in May, has already guided the five-time world champions to qualification for next summer’s tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Speaking ahead of Brazil’s friendly against Japan in Tokyo on Tuesday, Ancelotti said he is determined to make history with the Seleção.
“My goal is to give my best for the Brazil national team, to try to get them to perform at their best and to win the World Cup,” Ancelotti said. “Of course, no foreign-born coach has ever won the World Cup, but there is always a first time in life.”
Brazil arrive in Tokyo on the back of a resounding 5-0 victory over South Korea in Seoul, with 18-year-old sensation Estevao scoring twice, and Real Madrid stars Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. also on the scoresheet.
Fans have hailed the result as a return to the traditional “jogo bonito,” but Ancelotti stressed that his vision for Brazil goes beyond flair.
“Brazilian players have the quality to play beautiful football, but you have to think about what you mean by beautiful football,” he said. “It’s about combining individual quality with teamwork and movement off the ball — that’s very important in football.”
Brazil will again be without their all-time leading scorer, Neymar, who is sidelined with a thigh injury until at least November. However, Ancelotti left the door open for the 33-year-old forward’s return.
“If Neymar is in good condition, then of course he can fit into the national team,” Ancelotti said. “If Neymar is fit, he can play in any team in the world.”
Since Ancelotti’s appointment, Brazil have kept four clean sheets in five matches — a marked improvement from their previous defensive frailties.
“He’s Italian, so he likes his team to defend well,” said Newcastle United midfielder Bruno Guimaraes. “Especially at the World Cup, the teams that don’t concede goals win the title, so it’s essential that we defend well.”
Japan, meanwhile, were the first team to qualify for next year’s World Cup and are preparing for the friendly without key players such as Kaoru Mitoma and Wataru Endo.
Coach Hajime Moriyasu said his side are eager to challenge the South American giants.
“We want to win and to grow as a team and give everything for this challenge,” he said. “Brazil are one of the top teams in the world and we respect them, but we have players who are playing in Europe and getting experience there.”
