Carlo Ancelotti has welcomed scrutiny of his performance as Brazil coach, insisting widespread criticism will have “zero” effect on his strategy to build a new generation of players.
The Selecao needed a 95th-minute header from Rayan to salvage a 1-1 draw against Australia in Townsville on Friday. The result avoided what would have been only Brazil’s second-ever defeat to Australia, but the performance drew severe backlash back home. Former World Cup winner Denilson stated the display left a “very bad impression”, commentator Galvao Bueno called it a “disgrace”, and pundit Jose Trajano called for Ancelotti’s dismissal.
The reaction comes with Brazil still processing their earliest men’s World Cup exit since 1990 and facing an extended trophy drought. However, speaking at a Football Forum in Brisbane ahead of Tuesday’s second meeting with Australia at Lang Park, Ancelotti insisted the noise would not alter his long-term vision.
“Criticism of my work is something that has always existed and always will exist,” Ancelotti told reporters. “This criticism doesn’t affect the idea I have for the future of this national team, of these players. How much can criticism affect the idea I have for the future? Zero!”
The Italian manager, who signed a new four-year contract in May, acknowledged the immense pressure attached to the job, stating that winning the World Cup remains the mandatory expectation. However, with Neymar now retired from international football, Ancelotti is using the current international window to rebuild.
Seventeen of the 26 players brought to Australia possess 10 or fewer caps, including 10 uncapped players. Nottingham Forest’s Jair, PSV’s Mauro Junior and Manchester City’s Vitor Reis all made their international debuts in Townsville, with Ancelotti also singling out Arthur Dias and Gabriel Bontempo for praise.
“The priority now is to build a new generation of footballers who can accompany the national team in the near future, which is the Copa America and the World Cup,” Ancelotti said. “Until a year ago, a player who wasn’t playing wasn’t called up. Now, if a player isn’t playing for his club but we think he’s good for the future of the national team, I will call him up.”
Ancelotti indicated he will make extensive changes to his line-up on Tuesday to afford more prospects match experience. The squad will then travel to Kolkata to face India in October as the manager continues to assess his options ahead of competitive fixtures.
