Carlo Ancelotti has finally broken his silence on Real Madrid's transformation. The Italian coach, now leading Brazil's quest for a sixth World Cup, sat down with Radio MARCA to discuss his new adventure and why his former team struggled after he left.
The 65-year-old coach left Madrid last summer as their most decorated manager ever. But he didn't chase another club job. Instead, he answered Brazil's call for something he'd never done before – managing a national team.
"I didn't have the idea of going to another club after Madrid," Ancelotti explained from the colorful CBF headquarters in Brazil. "When you leave Madrid after winning the Champions League, you can only come to Brazil."
The Real Reason Madrid Changed
When asked about Madrid's struggles following his departure, Ancelotti gave a fascinating explanation. It wasn't just about tactics or player quality. It was about chemistry.
"Football changes with a few things and with that the chemistry changes," he said. "It's not just changing Kroos for Mbappé. That same year Nacho leaves, Carvajal gets injured and Modric plays less."
The coach emphasized that the old generation created something special in the dressing room. "A new generation of footballers has to come in and bring character, personality and example. That doesn't happen with a click, it takes time."
For bettors watching Madrid's current Champions League campaign, this insight is crucial. Ancelotti believes the team is still finding its new identity. However, he's confident about their upcoming Manchester City clash: "Yes, it's going to happen. You have to defend well and have balance."
Brazil's World Cup Mission
Ancelotti's new role carries massive pressure. Brazil hasn't won the World Cup since 2002, and the entire country expects him to deliver. "They have been asking for it for a long time. This is not only a goal, it is also a motivation," he said.
The job is completely different from club management. He's observing around 70 players who could make the squad. There's less stress from weekly games but more pressure from national expectations.
Ancelotti praised the Brazilian spirit he's encountered. "People welcome me very well here, I am very respected and they love me very much. They are happy, cheerful, good people."
He stays connected to Madrid, congratulating president Florentino after the City victory and chatting with players like Rodrygo. About Vinicius, he's particularly optimistic: "I'm sure he's going to have a great World Cup if he's in the squad. Vinicius has never failed in important matches."
When asked about Federico Valverde's incredible hat-trick against City, Ancelotti joked: "I said, 'It's a shame you don't have a Brazilian passport.'"
The Italian coach believes modern football has changed dramatically in 25 years. "The intensity has improved, but more intensity does not always mean more spectacle. I think talent has more difficulty today to show itself than 20 years ago."
As Brazil prepares for the World Cup, Ancelotti faces the challenge of managing expectations while building team chemistry. His Madrid experience taught him that success isn't just about having the best players – it's about creating the right environment for them to thrive together.
