Three Reasons Carlo Ancelotti Can Succeed With Brazil

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti will take the reins of the Brazil national team on May 26, aiming to lead the team to World Cup glory next year for the first time since 2002. Previous coach Dorival Junior was sacked in March after a 4-1 thumping by rivals Argentina in qualifying. Let's take a look at three reasons Ancelotti could prove successful with the record five-time world champions:

Calm character

Ancelotti, who has written a book named "Quiet Leadership", is known for his calm and warm character, making him an ideal candidate for one of football's highest pressure jobs.

The Italian has demonstrated his ability to succeed in similar environments with some of Europe's biggest sides, including Real Madrid, Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Paris Saint-Germain.

With Brazil's fiercest rivals Argentina reigning world champions, the pressure on Brazil to succeed in the 2026 World Cup will be higher than ever.

Ancelotti is also set to be the first foreign manager to lead Brazil into a World Cup.

However if anybody is cut out to thrive in -- or despite -- heavy scrutiny from fans and national media, it is the unflappable, avuncular Ancelotti.

"Ancelotti would be ideal because everyone, including opponents, respects him," said Brazil great Zico in 2023.

"He knows football and is aware that players are more important than tactics."

Ancelotti is considered a superb man-manager, which will allow him to get the best tune out of a national team rich in talent.

Strong relationships

With Neymar turning 34 ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, there is a strong chance the forward and talisman of this Brazilian generation will not feature.

He has made only nine appearances since rejoining Santos from