(Author: Barkha Roy)
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has said that he would be “thrilled” if Brazil invited him to become their new coach. Ednaldo Rodrigues, president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), recently admitted that Ancelotti would be an obvious choice to replace Tite, while Manchester City’s Brazilian goalkeeper Ederson said that Ancelotti’s arrival was a “great possibility”.
Ancelotti, whose contract with Real Madrid expires in June 2024, insisted that he was happy at the Santiago Bernabeu – but admitted that the prospect of coaching Brazil in the future was attractive. When asked about the possible opportunity ahead of Sunday’s game against Real Valladolid, he expressed his excitement.
He said “I don’t know the president of the Brazilian Federation; if he wants to talk to me, I’d love to say hello. Yes, the reality is that if the Brazilian national team wants me, I’m very excited. But there’s a contract in Madrid”.
Five-time world champions Brazil had a disappointing campaign at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar last year. Croatia eliminated them in the quarter-finals, beating them 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in extra time. Tite resigned after being eliminated from the competition. Just over three months later, they were beaten 2-1 in a friendly against Morocco in Tangier.
According to Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez is compiling a long list of possible replacements for Carlo Ancelotti. José Mourinho, coach of Roma, is one of the candidates.
Mourinho’s job at Roma is believed to be at risk due to the club’s poor results in Serie A (three defeats in four games). Between 2010 and 2013, the Portuguese coached the Santiago Bernabeu for three seasons. He led the club to the La Liga title in 2011-12 before being sacked the following season.
As well as Mourinho, the list includes Zinedine Zidane, Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino, Xabi Alonso and Oliver Glasner.
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The last time the Merengues were in action, they were beaten 2-1 by rivals Barcelona. As a result, Carlo Ancelotti’s side fell 12 points behind the Catalans in the race for the La Liga title.
After Barcelona crushed last-placed Elche last Saturday, the gap widened to 15 points. Real Madrid must ensure that there are no more slip-ups if they are to have any hope of getting back into the title race.
Carlo Ancelotti had previously stated that if he leaves Real Madrid, he will retire. However, after the rumors about Brazil, this attitude seems to have changed. He has now denied this and could be relieved of his duties at the end of the season if he doesn’t win any trophies.
The coach insisted that he will focus on Real Madrid, who play Valladolid in La Liga on Sunday. Meanwhile, Brazil are looking for a new coach ahead of the 2024 Copa America cycle.