Ancelotti backs Real Madrid forward to carry the legacy of Brazil’s No. 10 shirt | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti has officially begun his journey as the head coach of the Brazil national team this month.

The Italian manager, having left the Real Madrid bench, has taken on the challenge of leading the Canarinha in what is his first experience at the helm of a national side.

Real Madrid megastar Vinicius Jr. is expected to be central to Ancelotti’s plans with the Brazilian national team moving forward as he aims to build a squad capable of challenging and winning the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the USA.

During a recent interview, Ancelotti spoke about the importance and legacy of the No. 10 jersey with Brazil and stated how Vinicius is more than capable of carrying that responsibility on his shoulder.

“The No. 10 in Brazil is a very important shirt, one that carries a lot of weight. I think Vinicius, like others, has the qualities to wear this shirt because he has personality and character…. But in the future, this could change,” said Ancelotti.

Ancelotti and Vinicius with the Brazil NT. (Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images)

Interestingly, the former Real Madrid manager also stated that there is more quality in South America than in Europe.

“South American football is different from European football. There’s a genetic makeup with more quality. In European football, there’s obviously quality, but intensity is added,” said Ancelotti.

“In comparison, I think there’s more quality here, in South America, and more intensity in Europe,” the Italian emphasized.

Ancelotti also shed light on how Brazil had been trying to appoint him as their manager for two years now, when he was still at Real Madrid.

“Brazil has been following me for a long time, we first started contact two years ago. I chose it because I believe coaching the Brazilian national team is a source of pride. It’s the team with the longest history in football… I’m doing it with great enthusiasm,” he said.

Source: AS