A month away from the World Cup, Carlo Ancelotti, the 66-year-old mastermind and first foreign coach in Brazil's history in over 60 years, appears entirely at ease. Having conquered five of Europe's major domestic leagues and secured five Champions League titles, Ancelotti is now tasked with bringing Brazil its first World Cup victory since 2002.

The Quest for World Cup Glory

Ancelotti is nearing the finalization of his 26-man squad, revealing that 24 positions are already decided. The remaining two spots remain the subject of intense competition after an exhaustive assessment of over 70 Brazilian players globally, stretching from Europe to Saudi Arabia and Russia.

A central point of discussion remains 34-year-old Neymar. While the star has struggled with form and fitness following a severe ACL injury in 2023, Ancelotti remains open to his inclusion. "He is a great talent," Ancelotti stated. "What we have to look for with him is not if he’s able to trap the ball or pass the ball. It is (about) if his condition is good."

Balancing Talent with Tactical Discipline

Ancelotti is keen to move beyond the mythology of Brazilian "genetic" talent. He points out that Brazil's previous successes in 1994 and 2002 were not built on flair alone, but on rigorous defensive organization—noting the use of four defensive midfielders in '94 and three center-backs in 2002.

"The combination between defensive (organisation) and talent is the key of the success," Ancelotti explained, adding that "talent alone is not able to win a World Cup." To prepare for the pressures of the knockout stages, he has even integrated a sports psychologist and implemented specific routines for penalty shootouts.

Reflections on Real Madrid and the 'Bulls***' of Strategy

The interview also touched upon Ancelotti's departure from Real Madrid, a club currently grappling with internal strife and a period of rebuilding. Ancelotti pushed back against the narrative that Madrid players are "unmanageable" or refuse to follow a tactical plan.

When asked if star players push back against tactical ideas, Ancelotti became animated: "Nooo... because it (makes it sound like) that players at Real Madrid do what they want. It’s not true. Absolutely bulls***. It is absolutely bulls***."

He describes his management style as collaborative rather than imposing, citing the example of Andrea Pirlo, who suggested his own move to a holding midfield role at Milan. "I don’t want soldiers on the pitch," Ancelotti remarked. "I want players that are convinced of what to do on the pitch."

A Full Circle Moment

For Ancelotti, the upcoming tournament in North America is a poignant return. He was an assistant coach during the 1994 World Cup in the U.S., where Italy lost the final on penalties to Brazil. Now, he leads the very nation that defeated him decades ago. He expressed sadness over Italy's current struggles, noting it is "unbelievable" that his home country may miss a third consecutive World Cup.

Despite the immense pressure, Ancelotti views the responsibility as an honor. "Brazil doesn’t want to be part of the World Cup," he concluded. "Brazil wants to try to win."