Ancelotti sends clear message to Real Madrid amid Brazil links

FT Desk

• 19 Dec 2022 18:30 GMT
• 3 min read

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed reports linking him with with the vacant Brazil job.

Brazil went into the 2022 World Cup knowing that Tite would be stepping down from his post after six years in charge.

Hopes were high that he would bow out with the nation's sixth title in tow, but Croatia shattered that dream by frustrating the Selecao in a 1-1 quarter-final draw after extra time and then triumphing on penalties to reach the last four.

Since returning home empty-handed there has been furious speculation over who could succeed Tite in the job, with Ancelotti's name mentioned as one of the front-runners.

His appointment would be a huge break from tradition for Brazil, who have never appointed a foreign coach on a long-term basis - though several non-Brazilians sat on the bench for individual games or as interim choices, most recently Argentine Palmeiras boss Filpo Nunez in 1965.

Why do Brazil want Ancelotti?

The Italian's record, though, speaks for itself, with four Champions League titles and league wins in all of Europe's big five nations.

But speaking to Radio Rai, Ancelotti appeared to rule himself out of the running at least for the near-future.

“What the future holds for me, I don’t know, I live for the day, for now I’m very happy at Madrid, we have many goals to achieve this season, there will be time to think about my future," he explained.

“I have a contract until June 30 2024 and, if Real Madrid doesn’t send me away, I won’t move until then.”

Current Palmeiras boss, Portuguese national Abel Ferreira is also considered a top candidate after delivering back-to-back Copa Libertadores wins in Sao Paulo, as is Gremio legend Renato Gaucho.

Further reports have linked Pep Guardiola with the job, though in light of his new contract at Manchester City the coach also appears an unlikely option.