Carlo Ancelotti’s Five Biggest Challenges as Brazil’s Head Coach

Carlo Ancelotti is no stranger to pressure. But his new job—rebuilding Brazil’s fractured football identity while qualifying for the 2026 World Cup—might be his most complex yet.

This week, in the muggy port city of Guayaquil, Ecuador, the Italian maestro ran his first Brazil training session, stepping into a role few foreigners have held and even fewer have succeeded in. Brazil hasn’t had a non-Brazilian coach in over 50 years. Expectations are, naturally, sky high.

Ancelotti has one goal: “Win the 2026 World Cup.”

But first, he has to get there.

1. Crossing the Finish Line in Qualifiers

Let’s be real—Brazil has hit a rough patch.

Three straight losses last year, including an unthinkable 1-0 defeat to Argentina at the Maracanã, cost former coach Fernando Diniz his job. Dorival Junior didn’t fare much better. His last match? A 4-1 humiliation in Argentina. That sealed his fate too.

Now Brazil is clinging to fourth place in South America’s World Cup qualifiers—comfortably above the cut-off, but not exactly dominant. With four games left, including a tricky clash with second-place Ecuador and must-wins against Paraguay, Chile and Bolivia, Ancelotti has no time to ease in.

The good news? The top six teams go straight to the World Cup. But that’s no excuse for complacency. A nation that breathes football expects more than just qualifying—it demands flair and conviction.

2. Still Searching for a True No. 9

Remember when Brazil used to churn out elite strikers like clockwork? Ronaldo, Romário, Adriano—they were household names, goal machines.

Today? The cupboard looks barer.

Richarlison, who Ancelotti once coached at Everton, is the closest thing to a classic striker in this squad. But even he hasn’t fully convinced. Ancelotti might be forced to lean on wide attackers like Vinícius Jr., Raphinha, or even an unorthodox forward setup like he used at Real Madrid in 2024’s Champions League run.

Yes, it worked in Europe. But can that same flexibility bring goals on the bumpy pitches of South America?

3. Plugging the Midfield Brain Drain

If the attack is missing bite, the midfield is missing brains.

Brazilian football academies have pumped out athletic, defensively-minded players and speedy wingers, but creative playmakers are becoming rare gems. The result? A midfield that struggles to control tempo or feed the front line with vision.

Juca Kfouri, a respected Brazilian journalist, called it out bluntly: “Brazil doesn’t have a Toni Kroos.”

Ancelotti knows that too. It’s why he’s brought back Casemiro—now 33 and not as agile as he once was. But Casemiro brings leadership and steel, even if he’s not a midfield conductor.

Finding someone to orchestrate the game, not just break it up, will be crucial.

4. The Full-Back Drought

Once upon a time, Brazil’s full-backs were rockstars—Cafu, Roberto Carlos, Dani Alves. Today, the samba spirit down the flanks feels… muted.

Ancelotti has called up Carlos Augusto from Inter Milan and two Flamengo players—Wesley Franca and Alex Sandro—after a decent showing in the Copa Libertadores. But the truth is, the full-back position no longer defines Brazil’s game.

He’ll have to either reinvent the role or get more creative with his formations to make up for the missing spark.

5. Winning Back the People

This might be his hardest task.

For many Brazilians, the yellow jersey has become politically charged—adopted by far-right groups during the presidency of Jair Bolsonaro. The emotional disconnect is real.

Add to that years of underwhelming performances and broken promises, and you have a national team that’s lost its magic for large parts of the population.

Ancelotti understands this. In his first statements as coach, he appealed to the people: “I hope to have the support and help of the country.”

If he can return Brazil to joyful, expressive football—the jogo bonito that once made them global icons—he might just heal that rift.

Ancelotti’s résumé is packed with silverware. But leading Brazil is more than a job—it’s a cultural mission. He must revive a fading identity, reconnect with a disillusioned fanbase, and win while doing it beautifully.

The Selecão’s fate now lies in the hands of a calm, calculating Italian with a heart for the game. If anyone can navigate this emotional minefield, it might just be Carletto.

But first, he must beat Ecuador. No pressure.

{Source: The Citizen}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com