Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of the Brazil national team, addressed his critics on social media this past Friday, asserting that only the legendary Sir Alex Ferguson, the former manager of Manchester United, has more credentials than he does in the world of football.
Brazil narrowly escaped a significant upset in the World Cup against Japan, with Casemiro netting an equalizer in the second half and Gabriel Martinelli scoring the decisive goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time. This dramatic comeback allowed Brazil to overturn a 1-0 deficit and proceed to the round of 16, where they will face Norway on Sunday.
Following the match, Ancelotti, who is managing a national team for the first time, received widespread acclaim for leading the team to victory. Many critics on social media acknowledged the seasoned manager’s vast knowledge of the game, recognizing him as a record five-time Champions League winner.
In an interview with Folha de S. Paulo, Ancelotti responded to queries regarding his qualifications. He noted, “In Italy, there’s a saying that all men want to coach and all women want to be architects. I might not claim to know everything about football, but no one has the right to judge me.” He emphasized the depth of experience he has gained from managing over 1,400 matches, stating, “Maybe that’s not enough to fully grasp football, but it’s certainly a considerable amount of experience. The only person with more match preparation is Alex Ferguson, who has overseen more than 2,000 games. I value advice from everyone, but Ferguson is the one whose guidance holds the most weight for me.” He concluded, “I am fully aware that I am not a genius, but I am equally confident that I am not a fool.”
As Brazil gears up to play against Norway, Ancelotti described the opposing team as a highly physical and defensively organized squad with an experienced coaching staff. He pointed out the threats posed by set pieces and highlighted Erling Haaland’s talent, calling him “one of the best players in the world” after facing him twice as a manager with Real Madrid and Napoli. However, Ancelotti stressed that Brazil’s preparations are not solely focused on limiting Haaland’s impact, stating that defending the Brazilian box will require a team effort.
Regarding Neymar, who missed the first two group matches due to injury, Ancelotti confirmed that the star player is now fit enough to play a full match if needed. He acknowledged Neymar’s dissatisfaction with limited playing time but mentioned that the player is handling it well and training diligently.
In a recent press conference, Endrick praised Ancelotti’s positive influence on the team, emphasizing the Italian’s ability to unite the players since his arrival as head coach. Douglas Santos echoed this sentiment, stating, “The coach’s reputation precedes him. We know how successful he is, and he has instilled a sense of calm in us, providing the energy and confidence needed to turn things around in the second half. The depth we were lacking in the first half was evident with our first goal, leading to Martinelli’s late strike, showcasing our resilience and determination.”
The winner of the match on Sunday will move on to face either co-hosts Mexico or England in the quarterfinals.