Brazil: calls for Carlo Ancelotti to leave

14.11.26 FT Friendly International

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Brazil are certainly not inspiring confidence under Carlo Ancelotti, following Saturday’s 3-2 friendly defeat to Japan. Things have gone so far that calls are already being made for the former Real Madrid coach to leave.

After a largely disappointing World Cup, Brazil had bounced back well during their friendly tour in the previous international break. This time, however, the Brazilians got off to a worrying start to their tour in Singapore, losing 3-2 to Japan on Saturday.

It should be noted that Ancelotti was even sent off after vehemently protesting the goal, claiming there had been a foul beforehand. This latest poor performance has gone down very badly in Brazil.

Brazil no longer want Carlo Ancelotti

On SportTV, pundit Alexandre Lozetti did not mince his words about the Italian coach. “I think his work has been poor. Brazil have played badly in most of their matches, with an inadequate level of play. I’m not talking about Ancelotti’s level, but the level expected of Brazilian football… Brazil have quality players but have been unable to build a balanced team. There are problems both defensively and offensively. These are things I thought would be under control once a coach of this calibre took charge… I don’t like what has been done so far…”, he said.

For its part, Globo Esporte described Brazil as “a national team that still leaves a lot to be desired”. The reaction attracting the most attention in Brazil is that of Romário. The 1994 Ballon d’Or winner launched a fierce attack on the Italian coach, demanding that he leave. “Ancelotti, it’s over! Pack your things and go! No one questions your record. You are one of the greatest coaches world football has ever known, but you proved that at club level. With the Brazilian national team, so far, you have not measured up. We’ve had enough!”, he said before addressing Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) president Samir Xaud.

“You are young, Brazilian, and I believe you want the best for our football. But the time has come to show that you have the courage to make a decision. Get rid of Ancelotti! The Seleção shirt is no laughing matter. We cannot afford to waste another World Cup… Ancelotti has not understood the dynamics of a national team and, above all, he has not understood what Brazilian football and the yellow-and-green shirt represent. It is high time for things to change. Goodbye!”, he said.

Read also: 2027 AFCON qualifiers: Senegal mark their return to the Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor with a win over Sudan

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

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