Carlo Ancelotti has wasted no time outlining his mission as Brazil’s new head coach: help Vinicius Junior shine for the national team just as he does for Real Madrid. The Italian manager, who steered Vinicius to two Champions League and two La Liga titles at the Santiago Bernabéu, is convinced that unlocking the winger’s full potential is vital for Brazil’s World Cup dreams.
The Vinicius challenge
Ancelotti’s take on Vinicius’s performances in a Brazil shirt has been refreshingly candid. “I don’t know if he’s been at his best here, but he has time to do what he does at Real Madrid,” the 65-year-old coach admitted. “For us, he’s a fundamental player. We have to work to ensure he performs at his best here.”
The difference between Vinicius’s club and international form is hard to ignore. At Real Madrid, the 24-year-old forward regularly leaves defenders in his wake, but for Brazil, his impact has been muted. Since his World Cup debut in Qatar 2022, Vinicius has struggled to bring his club magic to the national team.
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Ancelotti, who knows the winger’s strengths inside out, highlighted his rare ability to unsettle defences—something Brazil needs to harness if they want to reach the top again.
A tactical plan for success
Ancelotti’s blueprint for Brazil is built on more than just individual brilliance. He insists that “individual quality is not enough today; you have to combine it with attitude, drive and commitment.” Whether he opts for a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2 formation, his focus is on building a compact, balanced team that defends as one and attacks with creativity.
The Italian’s approach is about defending together and using the ball wisely, rather than relying solely on star power. This system is designed to give players like Vinicius the freedom to express themselves, while ensuring the team remains solid at the back.
Ancelotti’s years of experience managing top talents at club level give him a unique perspective on how to get the best out of individuals within a team setup.
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Looking ahead: Youth and ambition
Ancelotti is also thinking about Brazil’s future. He singled out 18-year-old Estevao, who is set to join Chelsea from Palmeiras, describing him as a “special talent” who could play a big role for Brazil down the line. Still, the coach stressed the importance of patience and careful development for young players to reach their peak.
Brazil currently holds fourth place in the South American World Cup qualifying standings, with the top six teams earning direct spots for the 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Upcoming matches against Ecuador and Paraguay in São Paulo offer Brazil a chance to secure early qualification. Captain Marquinhos has already welcomed Ancelotti’s arrival, noting the positive “PSG-type energy” he brings to the squad.
