Carlo Ancelotti has transformed the atmosphere in the Brazil camp, shielding the talented squad from years of turmoil and making fans believe again. The Italian's man-management and decisiveness have turned a team plagued by four managerial changes, 95 called-up players, and a political crisis into potential World Cup winners.
Brazil arrived at the World Cup with several open wounds. Since Qatar 2022, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) faced upheaval, including the ousting of its president. The mood among fans was pessimistic. But Ancelotti's arrival gradually reshaped the team and its relationship with supporters, who now dream of a sixth World Cup after 24 years without one—the longest drought since 1970-1994.
Ancelotti's Shield: Peace of Mind for Players
Ancelotti has become a shield for the players. Even experienced stars like Alisson, Danilo, Marquinhos, and Casemiro feel more at ease with the most successful manager in Champions League history (five titles) on the bench. "It's undeniable that this World Cup cycle has been very difficult for us players," said Alisson, playing in his third World Cup. "We've experienced all these difficulties first-hand. But since Ancelotti's arrival, the atmosphere has been transformed. He gives us the peace of mind that comes from an environment focused on work, without having to worry about controversies or other issues."
Marquinhos added: "Our team wasn't in great form, but Ancelotti made the necessary changes. He's very smart. He knows how to get the best out of the players he has and help them improve. He managed to change our mindset and created a philosophy centred on wellbeing."
Healing Wounds: Comeback Against Japan
The last-32 victory over Japan was another wound Ancelotti healed. In the recent past, conceding a first-half goal would have knocked Brazil off balance. Since 2023, Brazil had conceded the first goal in 12 matches, losing seven and drawing four. That included a 2024 World Cup qualifier against Chile. When Keishu Sano scored for Japan, Brazil's unease was plain. But Ancelotti turned the atmosphere around at half-time.
"Ancelotti is an incredible man," said Gabriel Martinelli, who scored the winning goal. "It's easy to understand why he has won everything he has competed for. He gave us a lot of confidence. He said we were going to equalise and then win, that we had to believe in ourselves. You can see from his body language just how calm he is. He passes that confidence on to us."
Bold Decisions: Neymar Benched
Ancelotti has not been afraid to make important decisions, such as leaving Neymar out of the starting XI. The 34-year-old is not the player he was, nor fully fit. Less experienced managers might have picked him anyway. Under Ancelotti, Neymar has played just 14 minutes at this World Cup, against Scotland, and did not feature against Japan. Neymar has understood his role, knowing he is no longer Brazil's most important player—that status now belongs to Vinícius Júnior.
Mental Game: Psychologist on Staff
Ancelotti's man-management always made him the perfect coach for the Seleção. He emphasises that talent alone is not enough to win a World Cup. In addition to assistants Paul Clement, Francesco Mauri, and his son Davide Ancelotti, he draws on the expertise of Marisa Santiago, the first psychologist to be part of Brazil's coaching staff at a World Cup. Ancelotti speaks to Santiago daily and asks for advice on working on players' mental game. She helps create the best possible atmosphere.
Test Ahead: Norway and Haaland
Against Norway, Ancelotti faces the task of healing the deepest wound. Since 2002, when Brazil beat Germany in the final in Yokohama, they have failed to beat a European side in a World Cup knockout match: defeats by France (2006), Netherlands (2010), Germany (2014), Belgium (2018), and Croatia (2022). In addition to neutralising Erling Haaland, Ancelotti must work on the mental side to ensure past nightmares do not return.
If Brazil win on Sunday, they may still not be considered among the favourites, but they will be seen in a new light—with people believing it is possible to end their long wait for the biggest prize.
