CBF monitors other candidates, with Carlo Ancelotti unlikely to lead the Brazilian national team

Author – Amrit Santlani

With Carlo Ancelotti’s future uncertain, the Brazilian national team is still without a permanent coach since Tite’s departure following the team’s failure at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The Spanish press is reporting that Ancelotti is more likely to stay at Real Madrid, leaving the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) looking for other alternatives. Although the Italian has been the number one choice so far, the CBF is also analyzing several options, both from Brazil and abroad, to take charge of the national team in the next cycle, until the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

President Ednaldo Rodrigues has previously expressed his desire to hire a coach who is willing to play attacking soccer. The CBF is also monitoring big names such as Luis Enrique, Zinedine Zidane and AS Roma coach José Mourinho.

Enrique’s Spain suffered a collapse similar to Brazil’s at the World Cup, but their penchant for developing young players could work in their favor, while Zinedine Zidane’s exploits with Real Madrid are no stranger to anyone.

The Frenchman has been linked with a reunion with Madrid should Ancelotti leave the Santiago Bernabéu, but he has also been linked with Paris Saint-Germain.

Another big name linked with the Brazilian national team is Mourinho, who is a serial winner and recently brought Roma out of the shadows, winning the UEFA Conference League last season and taking the Serie A club to the Europa League final recently.

Former Flamengo coach Jorge Jesus has been mentioned as another alternative who would bring knowledge of Brazilian soccer with his short stint between 2019 and 2020 and, although he remains contracted to Fenerbahce, his contract expires at the end of the season, which would help the CBF negotiate a move.

Another native option is Fernando Diniz, who has been mentioned a lot in Brazil due to his attacking, possession-based style. Since 2022, he has received a lot of admiration for his work at Fluminense.

However, the 49-year-old coach has just won the first major trophy of his career and, if the Seleção want someone with more experience, they could still consider Abel Ferreira. Although he is not seen as someone who shares a good rapport with the press, the final word on the next coach rests with Ednaldo Rodrigues and he has plenty of options to choose from.