Ancelotti close to extending Brazil contract as World Cup beckons

RIO DE JANEIRO, May 14 : Carlo Ancelotti arrived in Brazil with five Champions League titles as a manager, league trophies from Europe's big five competitions and a reputation for making elite dressing rooms breathe a little easier.

One year on, he knows this job is something different: less club grind, more national obsession and perhaps his final gig.

For now, the Italian is enjoying the rhythm of national team football and said extending his contract until 2030 was close.

Ancelotti signed a one-year deal when he took over as Brazil manager last May but is set to carry on after the World Cup.

"I think so, it's all sorted, we just have to sign it. I'd like to stay," he said.

"I see a squad with great potential for the future. We have top-class young players, a new generation coming through here, who are of a very high standard."

DIFFERENT KIND OF TEST

The 66-year-old Italian took charge of Brazil after a glittering club career but preparing for the World Cup has brought a different kind of test - fewer training sessions, more emotion and the agony of choosing 26 names in a country where the iconic yellow jersey represents more than just a team.

Brazil will be missing key players including Rodrygo, Estevao and Eder Militao through injury, adding another layer of psychological strain before Ancelotti announces his squad in Rio de Janeiro on Monday. And there is also Neymar, whose inclusion (or not) in the squad has the country holding its breath.

Brazil, who are joint-fourth favourites with holders Argentina to win the World Cup behind European champions Spain, France and England, face Morocco, Haiti and Scotland in Group C.

It weighs heavily on me," Ancelotti told Reuters in an exclusive interview on Tuesday when asked about the