Carlo Ancelotti Confirms He Will Live In Brazil

Forbes

6 days ago

Brazil's football team new head coach, Italian Carlo Ancelotti (L) receives the team's jersey from ... More the president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) Samir Xaud during his official presentation at a hotel in Barra da Tijuca neighbourhood, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Carlo Ancelotti has just confirmed his first ever squad as coach of the Brazilian national team. On Monday the ex-Real Madrid boss enjoyed his first press conference in his new role and confirmed in an interview with 'Globo' that he intends to live in Brazil.
Lionel Scaloni, the Argentina coach, has lived in Spain during his tenure as national team manager. Most of his squad plays in Europe and obviously living abroad hasn't damaged Scaloni's ability to win absolutely everything with the national squad, but when a team isn't so successful it can be something that is used against the manager.
For a foreign coach looking to make a good impression, actually living in the country of your new national team is a smart move that will only serve to buy you time in the future. It helps to maintain a closer relationship with your employers, and of course it sits well with the fans.
Ancelotti could have opted for the same lifestyle as Scaloni and continued his scouting and homework from the comfort of Europe, but the Italian has shown his intent by announcing that he wants to live in Brazil and really get a feel for the country.
'I would love to get to know Brazil in general, I have the time and I am going to live here. For work and to learn about Brazilian football, and to enjoy the country,' said Ancelotti.
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - MAY 26: Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti is presented as the new head coach of ... More the Brazil national team by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and holds his first press conference at a hotel in the West Zone of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on May 26, 2025.
Just a year out from the FIFA 2026 World Cup such comments from Ancelotti will show the Brazilian people, and federation, that he is taking this job more than seriously. It signals that Ancelotti values off-pitch integration and learning the culture of the country aside from merely carrying out his coaching role whilst being based in another part of the world.
'I want to get to know Rio, I have never been. I want to see the beach." Ancelotti continued 'I also want to visit São Paulo, Belo Horizonte and Porto Alegre.'
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL - JANUARY 25: Carlo Ancelotti wants to live in Brazil and visit the beach in ... More Rio de Janeiro. Pictured is the famous Copacabana.
Ancelotti can pick up some Portuguese this way, whilst diving into Brazilian life and culture. In truth, it's a vital move as the pressure on the Brazilian national team has never been so fierce. The least 'Carlinhos' can do is make every effort to endear himself to the Brazilian people.
Even though Ancelotti cuts a serious character at the best of times, this will please Brazilian fans and give the man himself a better perspective on public opinion and the everyday expectations placed on the national team.
Ancelotti doesn't have anything to prove to anyone in the world of soccer, but the World Cup was just about the only thing he didn't win as a player. If he were to lead Brazil to a sixth (World Cup) title as coach he could go down as the best coach ever. All whilst ending the suffering of the most successful soccer nation history.
Sometimes people think that Brazil are more interested in playing 'joga bonito' soccer than actually winning, but that is far from the truth. Of course we all associate the Brazilian game with an attractive and expressive attacking style of play, but silverware is the most important thing. Not least when your neighbours are dominating the global game.
Even in trophyless years; the superstars of the 'Seleção' like Neymar have provided their moments of magic, but the people want more. The odd moment of magic isn't cutting it and the Brazilian public are crying out for a first World Cup title since 2002. The beautiful game is their identity and they have been starved of bragging rights for longer than they ever could have imagined.
Ronaldo of Brazil with World Cup trophy celebrates with Gilberto Silva and team after winning the ... More FIFA World Cup Final Match 2002 match between Germany and Brazil at International Stadium Yokohama on June 30, 2002 in Yokohama, Japan.