Brazil chief denies going behind Real Madrid’s back over Ancelotti appointment | OneFootball

Rodrigo Caetano, sporting director of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF), has shed light on the signing of Carlo Ancelotti, who left Real Madrid at the end of the 2024/25 season to become Brazil’s new national team coach.

Speaking on El Larguero, Caetano detailed how the negotiations unfolded, making it clear that the process was handled with full transparency and, most importantly, Real Madrid’s approval.

Ancelotti was always professional

Despite public outrage over the timing of the announcement and the silence from Madrid’s side, Caetano insists everything was above board.

“We held many meetings to decide who the top names were for the position of coach, and Ancelotti was at the top of the list from the beginning,” Caetano revealed.

“There was contact, and the coach was very professional, saying he had a commitment with Real Madrid and would only be able to speak after the end of the season.”

The CBF director made it clear that Ancelotti remained entirely focused on his role at Real Madrid until the very end.

“We met after the game against Arsenal. Carlo Ancelotti never wanted to speak to us until after his commitment to Real Madrid, I want to be very clear about that. Our contact was after La Liga.”

Announcing Ancelotti

One of the major talking points had been the premature announcement made by the CBF before the Spanish giants issued any communication of their own. That, understandably, led to frustration among Madrid supporters.

Carlo Ancelotti joined Brazil after La Liga. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)

However, Caetano clarified the reasoning behind that move: “It was because Real Madrid authorized the CBF to do it this way.

“Ancelotti was still working with the team because there were two more matches left, and we spoke with him at the end. After his dismissal, we already discussed the squad.”

He strongly denied any notion of a disrespectful approach, insisting Real Madrid were fully informed and involved throughout.

“Do you think the CBF would do something Real Madrid wouldn’t agree with? Here we have a lot of respect for institutions like Real Madrid and their people. Florentino didn’t raise any issues.”

Davide Ancelotti to stay

Ancelotti’s arrival, despite the noise around it, is seen as a major boost for Brazil at a time when the national team is looking to rediscover its identity and dominance.

“Carlo Ancelotti is the most important coach in the world right now. He has won all the leagues, and it’s a great honour for us to have him, as it is for him because he will coach the most successful team of all time,” Caetano said confidently.

In addition, Caetano, who also spoke on the Ballon d’Or controvery, confirmed that Ancelotti’s son, Davide, will also play a key role within the national setup.

“Davide Ancelotti participated in the last match against Paraguay, and I think he’ll be with the coach until the World Cup.

“He’s a young man with a wealth of knowledge and leadership. The day he decides to pursue a coaching career, it will bring many successes,” he concluded.