Manchester City goalkeeper Ederson has suggested that Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti could be the next Brazil manager.
Speaking in a press conference, the Selecao star shared his thoughts regarding his national team’s next coach.
“There is a big possibility that he [Ancelotti] comes,” said Ederson, via The Athletic. “I was discussing this with Casemiro, Vinicius Jr, and Eder Militao.
“What I’ve been told is that he is an exceptional coach, that everyone in the group likes. He’s a guy who has a very successful career – just look at his CV. We will see in the near future if he will be here or not.”
Although Ederson heavily hints that he wants the Italian as the new coach, he just wants Brazil to find a manager soon.
“I hope we can have a new coach quickly,” he added. “I feel the anticipation too because there’s too much speculation. Is it a Brazilian or a foreign coach? We’re also living in a phase of anxiety.”
The Brazil men’s national team has been without a head coach since the 2022 World Cup. Shortly after Selecao’s quarterfinal elimination vs Croatia, then-boss Tite resigned from his role. He had been Brazil coach for six years.
But now, the South American giants look to the future. Is Carlo Ancelotti a realistic possibility, though?
Carlo Ancelotti as Brazil manager: the current situation
The Italian is currently under contract at Real Madrid until 2024. So far, his return to the Bernabeu has brought significant success, particularly in 2021/22. Real cruised to their 35th La Liga title in the previous campaign.
Additionally, Ancelotti steered his side to an incredible Champions League triumph.
2022/23 has not been as dominant, by comparison. Los Blancos have stuttered through their domestic title defence, currently sitting 12 points behind Barcelona. Meanwhile, their El Clasico rivals also earned bragging rights by beating Madrid in the Supercopa de Espana.
The Champions League has been a redeeming quality in this campaign. Real are in the last eight of this year’s competition after successfully brushing aside Liverpool in the round of 16.
Further silverware is also still available in the Copa del Rey. However, Barcelona hold an advantage from the first leg of their semi-final matchup.
This mixed season has seen pressure ramp up on Carlo Ancelotti. Prior to the Liverpool tie, there were suggestions that UCL failure could see him sacked from his position. This speculation has cooled slightly – but has not gone away completely.
So, what about Brazil? Back in December, the Italian dismissed rumours of international management.
“I don’t know what the future holds for me, I live day-by-day,” said Ancelotti, via ESPN. “I have a contract until June 2024. If Real Madrid don’t sack me before then, I’m not going to move.”
The decision of the next Brazil manager may hang on the actions of the Real hierarchy as a result. Selecao will, therefore, have an interim coach for their next game.
Brazil’s international break
The U20 team boss, Ramon Menezes, will coach the Samba stars in their upcoming fixtures.
Menezes will have just one match to prove his abilities during this international window. Whilst European countries have EURO 2024 qualifiers, Brazil have just one friendly game. They face Qatar 2022 semi-finalists Morocco on 25 March.
The interim coach has made some interesting squad selections as well. For instance, Liverpool’s Alisson misses out, despite being the No.1 keeper in Qatar. Similarly, Arsenal’s in-form winger Gabriel Martinelli is not in the squad either.
Featured image credit: Getty
