In one of the most surprising moves in world soccer in recent years, Carlo Ancelotti decided to swap his well-established career in European soccer clubs to take charge of the Brazilian national team at a World Cup.
After several difficulties caused by moments of considerable turmoil involving the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation), Brazil finally organized a major event for Ancelotti's presentation.
In his first event as Brazil coach, Ancelotti was officially presented at a grand ceremony held by the CBF in a luxurious hotel in Rio de Janeiro. Afterwards, the names of Ancelotti's first squad in Brazil were heard.
Ancelotti didn't hide his happiness at being in charge of the Brazil national team and praised some of the current generation of players, especially his former Real Madrid teammates such as Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo.
Another special moment of the presentation consisted of a gift from Luiz Felipe Scolari, Brazil's winning coach in 2002. Ancelotti also revealed that some Brazilians (such as former players Juan and Taffael) will be joining his coaching staff.
Carlo Ancelotti’s first Brazil squad
- Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians);
- Defenders: Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Alexsandro (Lille), Beraldo (PSG), Carlos Augusto (Inter Milan), Danilo (Flamengo), Léo Ortiz (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG), Vanderson (Monaco), Wesley (Flamengo);
- Midfielders: Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Andrey Santos (Strasbourg), Bruno Guimarães (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Ederson (Atalanta), Gerson (Flamengo);
- Strikers: Antony (Betis), Estêvão (Palmeiras), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Matheus Cunha (Wolverhampton), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham), Vini Júnior (Real Madrid).
What did Ancelotti say about Neymar's absence?
One of the most anticipated moments didn't come true because Neymar wasn't called up by Brazil. Ancelotti said that he needs to select players who are doing well and Neymar has only just returned. "Everyone knows he's very important and that's the way it will always be. Some players like Rodrygo, Militão, Ederson and Joelinton are injured. Brazil has a lot of talented players and we're counting on Neymar as well as Brazil", said Ancelotti.
Will Brazil play more offensively under Ancelotti?
One of the biggest controversies in Brazil's last campaign was the lack of attacking production in World Cup qualifying matches. When asked about this, Ancelotti gave the obvious answer and said that his team will be adapting to each opponent. "If you have to win, you have to play well on purpose and defend well and rely on a high or low block. There are many things to be successful at. I don't have a clear identity because nothing is ready before the work done", Ancelotti explained.
What can you conclude about Ancelotti's first list?
The fact that he called up five players from Flamengo and one from Flamengo, and then mentioned some injured players who play in Europe, showed that Ancelotti used Brazilian soccer to give chances to some players from the country's most popular clubs in the midst of the absentees. What's more, the Italian coach has called up more than ten players who are preferably defensive players.
Ancelotti also chose to call up many players he trusts from previous jobs in Europe. And all of this created a very favorable atmosphere with the concentration of fans in the hotel and especially the confidence of the more than 350 journalists accredited for the event, as well as the CBF officials.