PHOTO: AFP

AGENCIES

Carlo Ancelotti arrives in Brazil not just as a coach, but as a figure of hope and repair. The 65-year-old Italian is the Selecao’s first foreign manager in over 50 years, and he steps into a role layered with both expectation and urgency.

His first match—against Ecuador on Friday (5am Bangladesh Time) in a World Cup qualifier—marks the start of a critical mission: to rescue a faltering campaign and reignite a connection with disillusioned fans.

Brazil’s qualifying journey has been turbulent. A historic 1-0 home defeat to Argentina and three straight losses in 2023 ended Fernando Diniz’s reign. Dorival Junior’s short-lived tenure concluded with a 4-1 thrashing in Argentina. Yet despite the setbacks, Brazil sits fourth in the South American standings.

The format remains forgiving—six of ten teams qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup—and Brazil holds a six-point lead over seventh-placed Venezuela with four matches left.

The talent remains, but the structure is fragile. Ancelotti inherits a side bursting with attacking wingers, but lacking a true centre-forward. The legendary pipeline of No. 9s—from Romario to Ronaldo—has dried up. Richarlison is the closest option, and Ancelotti knows how to work around this, having won the 2024 Champions League with a Madrid side led by Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo, though the latter hasn’t made this squad. Raphinha, co-top scorer in this season’s Champions League, offers another threat, but the bigger question lies in midfield creativity.

Brazil’s current generation lacks a classic playmaker. At Madrid, Ancelotti had Toni Kroos feeding Vinicius. Brazil, however, has no Kroos. Casemiro has been recalled to bring experience and leadership, but he’s no creator. Recent experiments with Bruno Guimaraes, Gerson, and Joelinton have offered little in terms of imagination. The famed fullback tradition—once embodied by Cafu and Roberto Carlos—also seems in decline, with Ancelotti turning to names like Carlos Augusto, Wesley Franca, and Alex Sandro.

Off the pitch, Ancelotti faces another challenge: mending the bond between the team and the nation. The iconic yellow jersey, long a symbol of joy, has been politicized and now divides as much as it unites. Ancelotti has already called for unity. For Brazil, qualifying may still be likely—but rediscovering its identity is the real goal. The journey begins in Ecuador.