Carlo Ancelotti has transformed the atmosphere in the Brazil camp, with players crediting his man-management and decisiveness for turning the Seleção into potential World Cup winners. Brazil arrived at the World Cup with several open wounds: since Qatar 2022, there were four changes of manager, 95 players called up, and a political crisis including the ousting of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) president. But Ancelotti's arrival has gradually shaped the team and restored fan belief, ending a 24-year drought without a sixth World Cup title.
Ancelotti as a shield for players
Ancelotti has become a shield for the players. Even experienced stars like Alisson, Danilo, Marquinhos, and Casemiro feel more at ease with the most successful Champions League manager (five titles) on the bench. “It’s undeniable that this World Cup cycle has been very difficult for us players,” said Alisson, playing in his third World Cup. “We’ve experienced all these difficulties first-hand. But since Ancelotti’s arrival, the atmosphere has been transformed. He gives us the peace of mind that comes from an environment focused on work, without having to worry about controversies or other issues.”
Mindset change and philosophy of wellbeing
Marquinhos highlighted Ancelotti's impact: “Our team wasn’t in great form, but Ancelotti made the necessary changes. He’s very smart. He knows how to get the best out of the players he has and help them improve. He managed to change our mindset and created a philosophy centred on wellbeing.”
Comeback against Japan
The last-32 victory over Japan showcased Ancelotti's healing touch. Before his tenure, Brazil had conceded the first goal in 12 matches since 2023, losing seven and drawing four. When Keishu Sano scored for Japan, Brazil's unease was plain. But Ancelotti turned the atmosphere around at halftime. “Ancelotti is an incredible man,” said Gabriel Martinelli, who scored the winner. “It’s easy to understand why he has won everything he has competed for. He gave us a lot of confidence. He said we were going to equalise and then win, that we had to believe in ourselves. You can see from his body language just how calm he is. He passes that confidence on to us.”
Bold decisions: Neymar benched
Ancelotti has not been afraid to make important decisions, such as leaving Neymar out of the starting XI. The 34-year-old is not the player he was and is not fully fit. Under Ancelotti, Neymar has played just 14 minutes at this World Cup (against Scotland) and did not feature against Japan. Neymar has understood his role, knowing he is no longer Brazil's most important player—that status now belongs to Vinícius Júnior.
Mental game support
Ancelotti's man-management made him the perfect coach for the Seleção. He draws on expertise from assistants Paul Clement, Francesco Mauri, and his son Davide Ancelotti, as well as Marisa Santiago, the first psychologist to be part of Brazil's coaching staff at a World Cup. Ancelotti speaks to Santiago daily for advice on working on players' mental game.
Next challenge: Norway and European hoodoo
Against Norway, Ancelotti faces the task of healing the deepest wound: Brazil have not beaten a European side in a World Cup knockout match since 2002 (when they beat Germany in the final). Defeats include France (2006), Netherlands (2010), Germany (2014), Belgium (2018), and Croatia (2022). Ancelotti must neutralise Erling Haaland and work on the team's mental side to avoid past nightmares. If Brazil win, they may be seen in a new light, with belief they can end their long wait for the biggest prize.
