The hiring of Carlo Ancelotti as the new Brazil football coach has drawn criticism from Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
Ancelotti, an Italian who has a record-tying four Champions League victories under his belt as a manager, will assume control ahead to the Copa America in the United States in June after fulfilling the remaining terms of his Real Madrid contract.
“I admire Ancelotti, but he has never been Italy’s national coach,” Lula told TV station SBT on Thursday.
“Why does he not resolve Italy’s problem, who did not qualify for the 2022 World Cup?” added the 77-year-old.
Brazil’s first 2026 World Cup qualifiers will be managed by Fluminense coach Fernando Diniz in the meantime.
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“I am a fan of Diniz,” said Lula. “He has the personality, the creativity and it is he who commands the dressing room.”
One of the most successful managers in the annals of European football, 64-year-old Ancelotti was chosen by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). They are confident he will deliver their sixth World Cup victory.
“It is very easy to coach a club in Europe with 11 international players in the team,” said Lula.
“What is difficult is to come here and to coach Corinthians (who are in danger of relegation from the top league).
“I would like to see if Ancelotti did a good job with Corinthians.”
The fourth non-Brazilian to lead Brazil as a coach will be Ancelotti. The final was the Argentine Filpo Nunez, who oversaw one game in 1965.
“The problem is not Diniz, the problem is we do not possess today the level of players we had in previous eras,” said Lula.
The fourth non-Brazilian to lead Brazil as a coach will be Ancelotti. The last was the Argentine Filpo Nunez, who oversaw one game in 1965.
