When asked whether ambition still drives him after decades at the summit of football, Carlo Ancelotti responds with a grin before dismissing the suggestion entirely. Despite building one of the most decorated managerial careers the game has ever seen, the Italian insists he is motivated less by trophies and more by the experience football continues to give him.

At 66, Ancelotti has already collected league crowns across England, Spain, Italy, Germany and France, alongside five Champions League triumphs. Yet his latest mission may be the most demanding of all. Since taking charge of Brazil in May, his focus has been fixed on delivering the country’s first World Cup title since 2002.

The veteran coach rejects the idea that he is consumed by the need to win another major honour.

According to Ancelotti, the attraction lies in enjoying the journey itself rather than obsessing over the final outcome. Managing Brazil, in his eyes, represents an opportunity to experience football at its highest emotional level while leading what he describes as the biggest national team in the sport.

A New Role on Football’s Biggest Stage

Although Ancelotti featured in World Cups during his playing days, this will be the first time he enters the competition as the man in charge. Brazil’s long wait for another global crown has become a growing burden, matching the lengthy drought between the victories of 1970 and 1994.

Still, pressure appears to have little effect on him.

Throughout nearly five decades spent in elite football 16 years as a player followed by more than 30 as a coach Ancelotti has retained the same enthusiasm that shaped his early years in the game. Football, he says, remains something he genuinely loves rather than merely a profession.

Even after retirement, he expects that passion to remain unchanged. Watching matches from home, he explains, brings him the same enjoyment as watching films, comparing the experience of football to cinema rather than work.

Why Players Continue to Trust Him

Over the years, countless stars have praised Ancelotti’s management style. Former players including Kaká, Toni Kroos, Gareth Bale and Vinícius Júnior have all spoken highly of the Italian’s methods.

Ancelotti himself believes his greatest strength lies in the way he treats people. Respect, communication and personal relationships are central to how he manages dressing rooms filled with elite personalities.

For him, coaching extends far beyond tactics. Handling players, clubs, supporters and media simultaneously requires balance, but he believes the hardest and most significant responsibility is dealing with human relationships.

More Than Just a “Man-Manager”

Despite his record-breaking success, critics have occasionally reduced Ancelotti’s achievements to his ability to keep players happy. Suggestions that he lacks tactical sophistication have followed him throughout his career.

The Brazilian head coach shows little interest in responding to those arguments.

He acknowledges that maintaining strong connections with players helps managers maximise performances, sometimes even beyond expectations. However, he insists that this represents only one element of coaching. In his view, understanding every aspect of football tactical, psychological and technical is essential at the highest level.

Adapting to Modern Football

Ancelotti is expected to remain with Brazil through the 2030 World Cup, which would see him coaching internationally at the age of 70.

Rather than resisting change, he believes football has evolved dramatically in recent years and demands constant adaptation from coaches. He points to the increased physical intensity and analytical approach dominating the modern game.

Defensive structures, once central to tactical planning, are no longer as decisive as they were a decade ago, according to Ancelotti. He observes that younger managers now prioritise attacking football far more aggressively than previous generations.

His Admiration for Brazilian Culture

Although only recently appointed, Ancelotti already feels closely connected to Brazil. Across his managerial career, he has coached more than 40 Brazilian players, an experience that helped him understand the nation’s football identity long before accepting the role.

He speaks warmly about the emotional attachment Brazilians have toward the national team shirt, describing it as something unique compared with other countries.

Ancelotti also praises the country’s cultural values, particularly the importance placed on family and religion. In his opinion, many European societies have gradually lost some of those traditions, especially the emotional bond supporters once shared with their national teams.

Beyond football, he says Brazil’s energy, positivity and celebrations particularly in Rio de Janeiro during carnival season left a strong impression on him.

Faith and Football

Religion continues to play a major role in Ancelotti’s life. Raised Catholic, he believes faith taught him how to behave respectfully and become a better person.

Even amid football’s constant demands, he admits he still prays especially when injuries begin to mount before a major tournament.

Brazil have already suffered several setbacks ahead of the World Cup. Éder Militão and Rodrygo are unavailable, while Estêvão remains a significant doubt.

Those absences have complicated Ancelotti’s preparations during his opening 10 matches in charge, a spell that has produced five victories, two draws and three defeats.

Vinícius Remains Central to Brazil’s Plans

One of Ancelotti’s biggest priorities is unlocking the best version of Vinícius Júnior for Brazil, much like he did at Real Madrid.

The winger has often struggled to replicate his club form on the international stage, scoring only eight goals in 47 appearances for the Seleção. Ancelotti believes the pressure surrounding him has become excessive.

The coach wants to remove some of that emotional burden, allowing the forward to play with freedom and confidence rather than feeling responsible for carrying the entire nation.

While Ancelotti rates Vinícius among the world’s elite players, he rejects the idea that Brazil should depend on one superstar alone. Winning the World Cup, he says, will require collective strength rather than individual brilliance.

Neymar’s Future Still Uncertain

Unlike several previous Brazil managers who built their teams entirely around Neymar, Ancelotti appears determined to avoid over-reliance on a single figure.

Now 34, the former FC Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain forward has struggled with recurring fitness issues and has not represented Brazil since October 2023.

Debate over Neymar’s possible inclusion continues to dominate discussion across the country. Polling by Datafolha showed that a majority of Brazilians still want him included in the World Cup squad.

Ancelotti, however, insists the decision rests entirely with the player himself. Talent has never been in doubt, he explains. The only concern is whether Neymar can prove he is physically ready to compete at the highest level again.

Experienced Leaders Could Play Key Roles

Another veteran hoping to earn a place is Thiago Silva, who remains active at 41 and is targeting a fifth World Cup appearance after an impressive season in Portugal.

Ancelotti confirmed the defender remains under consideration, praising both his performances and physical condition.

Leadership, according to the coach, will be vital throughout the tournament. He highlighted experienced names such as Alisson Becker, Casemiro, Marquinhos and Raphinha as players capable of guiding the squad through difficult moments.

Lessons From Real Madrid

This upcoming tournament will mark Ancelotti’s fourth World Cup involvement overall. He represented Italy as a player in both 1986 and 1990 before serving as assistant coach during the 1994 edition in the United States.

That competition ended painfully for Italy, who lost the final to Brazil on penalties.

Looking back, Ancelotti recalls the brutal temperatures during midday kick-offs in 1994, particularly in New York where conditions reached 43C. He believes scheduling improvements will make life considerably easier for players this time around.

The Italian also draws comparisons between coaching Brazil and his previous spell at Real Madrid. Both environments, he says, demand excellence every day.

One lesson above all shaped his approach: maintaining extremely high standards. At Madrid, he learned that constant demands push players and staff to deliver their best performances consistently.

Life Beyond Football

Away from the pressures of management, Ancelotti finds peace in a much simpler place with his dogs.

He currently owns three dogs living in Canada and describes them as a comforting escape from football’s endless scrutiny. Unlike people, he jokes, dogs never judge results or criticise performances.

Whether victory or defeat awaits at the end of the day, their loyalty remains unchanged.

Brazil’s Formula for Success

Asked what Brazil need most to become world champions again, Ancelotti answers immediately: talent.

He believes the squad already possesses enormous quality, while the country’s desperation to reclaim football’s biggest prize after 24 years adds another layer of motivation.

For Ancelotti, those ingredients can drive Brazil toward a memorable tournament and perhaps finally restore the Seleção to the top of world football once more.