Brazil wants to reclaim its crown. Ancelotti wants one final masterpiece. The timing may be perfect.
Italian Carlo Ancelotti, one of the most decorated managers in world football, will become Brazil coach after leaving Real Madrid at the end of the season, the Brazilian FA (CBF) said on Monday after finally landing their first-choice candidate.
The Italian tactician, normally a picture of sideline serenity, could only shake his head as his injury-ravaged defense struggled against Barcelona's relentless assault at a sold-out Montjuic Olympic Stadium.
Barcelona matched a 42-year-old record on Sunday by eating archrivals Real Madrid for the fourth time in a single season, securing a thrilling 4-2 victory at the Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys.
Ancelotti is expected to leave Madrid at the end of the current campaign with Spanish media reporting former Los Blancos midfielder Alonso will take over next season.
"I can make it clear, the truth is that I am very fond of my club, my players and my fans. I'll talk about my future on the 25th (of May)," Ancelotti told reporters on Saturday ahead of a home game against Celta Vigo.
Brazil are now expected to pursue Al Hilal boss Jorge Jesus.
The veteran Italian has one more year on his contract with the Spanish giants but after quarter-final Champions League elimination by Arsenal and Copa del Rey defeat by rivals Barcelona, is poised to depart the Santiago Bernabeu.
Real Madrid refused to partake in planned Copa del Rey final related activities on Friday because they were angry at complaints made by the match officials earlier in the day, the club told media in Seville.
Ancelotti said his players lacked focus after taking an early lead through Rodrygo in the 13th minute but allowing Mallorca to rescue a point with a Vedat Muriqi header after the break.
Kylian Mbappe was left frustrated on his Real Madrid La Liga debut on Sunday as a resilient Real Mallorca held the Spanish and European champions to a 1-1 draw in their title defence opener.
The France captain scored on his long-awaited first Madrid appearance as Los Blancos beat Atalanta to win the UEFA Super Cup on Wednesday.
Kylian Mbappe could make his debut for Real Madrid when they face Atalanta in the Super Cup on Wednesday but coach Carlo Ancelotti would not be drawn on whether the French forward would start the game.
Brazil's poor performance in their goalless draw against Costa Rica in their Copa America opener on Monday has dampened the enthusiasm surrounding their new manager and a revamped squad headlined by Vinicius Jr.
"In my interview with Il Giornale, my words about the FIFA Club World Cup have not been interpreted in the way I intended," Ancelotti posted on X.
Real Madrid will decline FIFA's invitation to participate in the Club World Cup as the governing body have undervalued the compensation the 15-times Champions League winners should receive, manager Carlo Ancelotti said.
“When you don’t kill Real Madrid, Real Madrid kill you,” Xavi Hernandez, who had to come up against Real Madrid a number of times in his career both as a Barcelona player and manager, had said just last year.
"Here there's no danger of our stomachs being too full... tomorrow this club will enjoy another fantastic day with our fans, then to rest, the players will go to the Euros, the Copa America, then we will return with the same desire and hope as ever," pledged Ancelotti.
Borussia Dortmund coach Edin Terzic believes "anything is possible" as his side aim to shock Real Madrid in Saturday's Champions League final at London's Wembley stadium.
