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Brazil: With Carlo Ancelotti, how the Seleção is turning its back on beautiful football

Auteur: Babacar SENE

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Brésil : avec Carlo Ancelotti, comment la Seleção tourne le dos au beau jeu

Defeated in a friendly by France (1-2), Brazil continues to show worrying signs just months before the 2026 World Cup. Far from its flamboyant image of the past, the Seleção is struggling to convince on the pitch. This observation, however, doesn't seem to bother its coach, Carlo Ancelotti.

Long a symbol of "joga bonito" (beautiful football), the Brazil of Pelé, Ronaldo, Ronaldinho, and Romario no longer inspires dreams. Having qualified for the World Cup by finishing fifth in the South American qualifiers behind Argentina, Ecuador, Colombia, and Uruguay, the Seleção are coming off a disappointing performance against France, despite the French being reduced to ten men in the second half. Vinícius Júnior's teammates lacked inspiration and cutting edge, illustrating a glaring lack of creativity.

With less than three months to go before the World Cup, concerns are growing. But for Ancelotti, there's no question of changing his approach. True to his philosophy, the Italian coach is focusing primarily on balance and defensive discipline, rather than on spectacle.

In a press conference, the former Real Madrid and Bayern Munich coach reminded everyone that Brazil's past successes were also based on a solid organization. He specifically cited the 1994 World Cup victory under Carlos Alberto Parreira and the 2002 triumph with Luiz Felipe Scolari, two teams built on strong defensive foundations. "A World Cup is won with a solid defense. It's not the team that scores the most, but the one that concedes the fewest goals," he emphasized.

A deliberate vision, but one that clashes with the expectations of a Brazilian public attached to spectacular football. "I don't like being called a defensive coach, but balance is essential," he added.

Despite the criticism, some players are showing their confidence. Striker João Pedro believes the current generation is every bit as good as its illustrious predecessors. He highlights talents like Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha, who play for Real Madrid and FC Barcelona respectively.

An optimistic discourse that contrasts sharply with the reality on the ground. Caught between nostalgia for a flamboyant style of football and a pragmatic approach, Ancelotti's Brazil is moving against the grain of its heritage. It remains to be seen whether this more calculated approach will bear fruit at the next World Cup in North America.

Auteur: Babacar SENE
Publié le: Mardi 31 Mars 2026

Commentaires (3)

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    Senegalais lambda il y a 1 jour
    Cela n'a pas commencé avec Anceloti. Depuis DUNGA ils ont commencé à jouer avec la rigueur européenne au détriment de leur propre football
  • image
    Senegalais il y a 1 jour
    Cedt normal parce qu il n'ont plus ces joueurs unique au monde qui faisait la différence et rendait leur jeux unique RONALDO, RONALDINHO ROBINHO ADRIANO etc NEYMAR mom dafa beug affair you noy
  • image
    À mon avis il y a 1 jour
    C’est pourquoi ils sont au même niveau que la Mauritanie
  • image
    Moussaa il y a 23 heures
    Le Bresil a besoin de Neymar, c'est tout. Il n'y a aucun joueur avec ses proueses dans la Selection. Vinicius Jr est un ailier rapide, pas un numero 10. Il faut que le Bresil prie pour un Neymar en bonne forme physique pour la Cpoupe du monde.

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