Author: Vishwajit Sawant
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) has reached a verbal agreement with Carlo Ancelotti to be the coach of the Brazilian national team in 2024. However, due to Ancelotti’s existing contract with Real Madrid, he will not be able to officially sign with the CBF until the middle of next year, when his contract with the Spanish club expires. In the interim period, Ancelotti will have a trusted person overseeing the team’s transition, possibly occupying a more senior position than the coach himself.
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Discussions are underway about the appointment of a coordinator who will be chosen by Ancelotti to facilitate the team’s operations during this transition period. Paulo Roberto Falcão, Ancelotti’s personal friend and Santos’ current sports coordinator, is among the candidates for the role. Falcao, an iconic figure in Brazilian soccer as a former national team player and coach, is seen as having the right credentials and aligned with Ancelotti’s vision. However, the CBF has not yet contacted Falcão about the position.
The national team had already been considering the possibility of a temporary deal before Ancelotti’s arrival, allowing for a smooth transition. Meetings were held with Ancelotti’s team, who showed enthusiasm and discussed the plans for his first venture into international management.
Ramon Menezes, coach of Brazil’s youth teams and current interim coach of the senior national team, is expected to be part of the temporary coaching team. Menezes will oversee the team in the opening six games of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues is expected to make an announcement by the end of this month, revealing the trusted person who will join Ancelotti’s coaching staff and their specific role. Ancelotti himself cannot be officially announced due to his contractual obligations with Real Madrid. Although there is a possibility that he will take up the role at the start of the year, it is more likely that he will join Brazil after his contract with Real Madrid expires in June 2024.