After his emotional farewell next weekend at Santiago Bernabéu in front of thousands of Real Madrid fans, Carlo Ancelotti arrived this Monday in Rio de Janeiro to formalize his relationship with the Brazilian national team.
In his first press conference as coach of Canarinha, Ancelotti did not hide his excitement: "The first impressions are very beautiful. I am very hopeful. The challenge is very big; I have always had a very strong relationship with this country. I have received a lot of support. I am very happy, it is an opportunity that means a lot of responsibility".
Ancelotti dio su primera conferencia de prensa como DT de Brasil
Meanwhile, the Italian reflected on his connection with Brazilian figures throughout his career: "I have always had a connection with Brazilian teammates playing football, like Falcao, Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Kaká, so many players who have given so much to this country", he commented.
During the event, he symbolically received the Brazilian National Team coach's sweatjersey from Luiz Felipe Scolari, the last coach to win the World Cup with Brazil in 2002. In addition, he was shown a welcome video with messages from figures such as Falcao, Zico, Kaká, and Marta.
Scolari entregándole el buzo de entrenador a Ancelotti
"For a team to play well, it must know how to do many things well. That is how it can have an identity", he pointed out. He then presented his first draft for the South American Qualifiers, in a press conference in which he appeared "happy and proud".
"It is an honor and a great pride to lead the best national team in the world. Let's go together. We need everyone", stated Carletto.
He added: "Winning a World Cup can't be just the goal of 23 players and the coaching staff. It must be the goal, the motivation of an entire country, with unconditional love for the national team. That is an aspect that can help a lot in the preparation".
Likewise, Ancelotti was clear in defining the magnitude of the challenge ahead and is not taking this task lightly. "Winning a World Cup is a great responsibility", he stated.
With his arrival, the Italian became the fourth foreign coach in Canarinha's history, and the first in the last 60 years. Previously, it was led by Uruguayan Ramón Platero (1925), Portuguese Joreca together with Flávio Costa (1944), and Argentine Filpo Núñez (1965).
