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Carlo Ancelotti was set to become the Brazil national team manager, but those plans have now collapsed. Ancelotti had been expected to leave Real Madrid in the summer to take up the job, but the European champions have decided to hold firm and not let their manager leave.
WHAT HAPPENED?
Real Madrid had initially been close to agreeing to let Ancelotti leave early. Both parties had verbally agreed on a severance package for the coach and it looked like the break-up would be amicable, as Brazil waited for Ancelotti. But on Wednesday night the Real Madrid board made a U-turn. A club statement said Ancelotti had changed his mind because he wanted to stay, but multiple reports from MARCA, Relevo and AS said that the Madrid board was not willing to agree to the severance package. That meant that if Ancelotti wanted to join Brazil, he would have to forego a large amount of money otherwise owed to him. The Madrid board’s firm stance has worked once again – in 2024, when Brazil were ready to hire Ancelotti, the board did not let him leave either, eventually tying him to a contract till 2026.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
This puts Brazil in a huge crunch. Brazil are currently fourth in the CONMEBOL qualifying table for the 2026 World Cup. They do have some breathing space with respect to qualifying (six points above the playoff line), but their 4-1 defeat to rivals Argentina was bruising. After that, as confirmed by GOAL, president Ednaldo Rodrigues planned to bring Ancelotti in as coach immediately. Dorival Junior faced the sack as Brazil looked to bring in the Italian immediately. But with those plans sunk, Brazil will have to search for a fresh alternative. Jorge Jesus is in line for the vacant position, according to AS, but he may not be a prompt appointment as he would only arrive once the club campaign (with Al-Hilal) is complete.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR CARLO ANCELOTTI?
Although Brazil seem to be out of the picture, Saudi Arabia have emerged as a potential option for Carlo Ancelotti. GOAL confirmed last week that the Kingdom are readying a mega-money deal for the manager. It is yet to be seen if he takes them up on it, but it does look like the 64-year-old will leave Real Madrid at the end of the season when his contract runs out.
