Carlo Ancelotti is among the world’s most successful coaches. He has won a record five Champions League titles and trophies in all five of Europe’s major leagues. Now, he’s taken on the biggest challenge: making Brazil world champions again. Even for someone with his profile and stature, it’s not been easy managing the world’s most decorated side, as evident from their round of 16 exit at the World Cup. The Italian has now begun work on rebuilding the team with a new generation of players. Ahead of the much-awaited international friendly against India in Kolkata, Ancelotti speaks exclusively to TOI over a video call from Brisbane, where the Selecao is currently based. Excerpts…Brazil are ranked fifth while India are 138, possibly the lowest-ranked side that Brazil have ever faced. How will you approach this friendly?Brazil has supporters in every corner of the world. The history of this national team is really important. It’s a pleasure for us to play in India, not just for the Brazilian supporters, but also those in India. It’s a preparatory game, a friendly, but for us, there’s never a friendly game. When you play for the national team, you have to always do your best. We are working on building a new generation of players. We have a base that comes from the last World Cup. Now we are focused on preparing for the Copa America in 2028 and World Cup in 2030.What comes to your mind when you think of Indian football?We have to see other nations, other cultures. We are used to playing friendlies with different styles. India will be exciting. It’s true that India does not have a good experience (of playing world class opponents), but it’s important for us to know how they play. I’ve never been to India. I am very excited to come to Kolkata.Are you surprised that despite being the world’s most populous nation, India has a poorly-ranked football team?I think it’s a problem of culture. India does not have a culture of football, but they are good in other sports. You have to work on this to build a new generation of players.Brazil play Australia, India and Singapore, all comparatively weaker teams. What does Brazil gain from these friendlies?Friendlies are used to have a look at different players. My goal is to have a look at players who I don’t know really well. It will help me when I select the final squad for (major) competitions. We have had a fantastic generation that played the World Cups in 2018, 2022 and 2026. Now, we must replace this generation.Given the long inter-continental travel from Europe to Oceania and then Asia, will some star players ask to be rested?The players that have come to Australia are all happy to be here even after a long flight. There are no discussion on resting players. I have never heard a Brazilian player ask not to field him for the national team. All players will be available.Among the 26 probables for the friendlies, there are 10 home-grown players, two teenagers, four aged 20, and another three below 23. Is this a conscious move to find players who can take Brazil forward?We have a strong base of players like Marquinhos, Gabriel (Magalhaes), Bruno (Guimaraes), Rafinha, Vinicius (Jr). We want to build around them a new group with new young players. Brazilian football always builds new talented players. It’s true that we have some young players who are not playing in clubs right now, but we are going to give them possibilities to grow and improve for the future of the national team.Given the vast talent pool, how difficult is it to select players for the national team?It’s difficult because there is a lot of competition. Every weekend, we look at about 60-70 players who can be part of the national team. We are looking everywhere; watching games in Europe, in Russia, in Saudi Arabia. Brazilian players are everywhere, all of them with very good qualities.Vinicius became a decisive player under you between 2022 and 2024. Since your departure from Real Madrid, he isn’t the same player. Why do you think it’s happening?Maybe, this is not his best moment, but, for example at the World Cup, he did well for us. A player cannot always be 100%. The quality that Vinicius has cannot be debated. He is a fantastic player, one of the best in the world. I’m sure he will be at his best in the next games.
