Carlo Ancelotti: 'I'm not obsessed with winning, I have a passion for enjoying the moments'

Carlo Ancelotti, the 66-year-old Italian manager, is one of the most successful coaches in football history, boasting five Champions League titles and league championships across England, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Despite his extensive achievements, he maintains a profound passion for the sport, describing it as a pleasure akin to watching cinema. He was appointed head coach of the Brazil national team last May with the singular objective of winning the World Cup, a feat Brazil has not achieved since 2002.

Ancelotti, who has spent 47 years at the top level of football as both a player and a coach, retains a remarkable enthusiasm for his job. He states, "I couldn’t live without football. If I’m no longer on the pitch, I’ll be there as a fan watching the match." He emphasizes that leading the "most important national team in the world" is a moment he enjoys with pleasure and passion, rather than obsession.

Many players regard Ancelotti as an exceptional coach, citing his attitude, respectful behavior, and emphasis on building personal relationships as key factors. He acknowledges the difficulty of a manager's role, which involves managing relationships with players, clubs, the press, and fans, considering the relationship with people to be the most challenging and important aspect.

Dismissing claims that he is merely a "man-management coach," Ancelotti asserts that while good relationships help extract the best from players, they are only one part of the game. He is confident in his tactical knowledge, stating, "All I can say is that I know all aspects of the game very well."

Ancelotti plans to extend his contract with Brazil until the 2030 World Cup, by which time he will be 70. He notes the continuous evolution of football, striving to adapt to its more analytical, intense, and physical nature. He observes that modern coaching trends favor attacking play over the defensive tactics of the past.

Having worked with over 40 Brazilian players throughout his career, Ancelotti feels a strong connection to the nation and its footballers. He admires the "Brazilian spirit," the special love for the national team jersey, and the country's preservation of cultural values like family and religion. He finds parallels between his Catholic faith and the guiding principles it provides, emphasizing respect and good conduct.

However, Ancelotti is concerned about the team's recent injury problems, with key players like Éder Militão and Rodrygo already sidelined, and Estêvão a doubt for the World Cup. In his 10 games in charge, Brazil has secured five wins, two draws, and three defeats. He aims to replicate his success at Real Madrid by developing Vinícius Júnior, who has struggled to replicate his club form for the national team, scoring eight goals in 47 international games. Ancelotti believes the responsibility on Vinícius for Brazil is immense and seeks to alleviate that pressure, enabling him to play with joy and energy. While recognizing Vinícius's potential to win matches single-handedly, Ancelotti stresses the importance of teamwork over relying on a single star player.

Unlike previous Brazil coaches who heavily relied on Neymar, Ancelotti faces the challenge of the 34-year-old forward's fitness issues. Neymar has not played for the Seleção since October 2023. A Datafolha survey indicates that 53% of Brazilians want Neymar in the World Cup squad, while 34% are against it.

Ancelotti stated that Neymar's call-up depends solely on his physical condition, a criterion applied to all players, with talent being a given for Neymar. He also confirmed that veteran centre-back Thiago Silva, at 41, is "on the radar" due to his strong season at Porto and good physical condition.

This will be Ancelotti's fourth World Cup, having played in 1986 and 1990, and served as an assistant coach in 1994. He recalls the 1994 tournament in North America, where Italy lost to Brazil in the final on penalties, noting improvements in kick-off times and weather conditions compared to the extreme heat of 32 years ago.

Ancelotti draws parallels between managing Real Madrid and Brazil, emphasizing the "high standards" and demanding nature that lead to success. He finds solace from football's pressures in his three dogs, appreciating their unconditional loyalty.

Looking ahead to the World Cup, where Brazil will face Morocco, Haiti, and Scotland, Ancelotti is confident in his talented squad and the nation's enormous motivation to win after a 24-year drought. He believes "talent" and "motivation" are key to achieving their goal.