Brazil Held Hostage by Ancelotti's World

As a symptom of Stockholm syndrome, the Brazilian national team is captivated by Carlo Ancelotti who has captivated them for the past few years. The embarrassing 1-4 defeat to Argentina has revived the "Seleccao"'s obsession with the Real Madrid coach. The Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) is reportedly again exploring the possibility of recruiting Ancelotti. However, the answer to the offer is still a question mark.

The Athletic reports that Brazil's pursuit of Ancelotti continues. The trigger was a crushing defeat by arch-rivals Argentina in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers. The defeat did not threaten Brazil's chances of competing in the World Cup. With four matches remaining in the qualifying round, Brazil is in fourth place with 21 points, seven points ahead of Bolivia in eighth place.

Only six of the 10 South American qualifying teams will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico. Meanwhile, one more team has the opportunity to win a ticket through the inter-confederation play-off round. That way, Brazil's chances of qualifying directly are still relatively safe.

What is more concerning about Brazil is not their chances of qualifying for the World Cup, but rather the future of the team under the management of Dorival Junior. The former Sao Paulo coach is considered to have failed in improving Brazil's performance a year before the World Cup.

Dorival was appointed to replace Tite in January 2024. With Brazil, Dorival has played 16 matches. Out of those 16 matches, he recorded seven wins, six draws, and three losses.

Before being defeated by Argentina, Brazil secured an unconvincing victory against Colombia. They were saved by Vinicius Junior's goal in the final minutes. Vinicius's goal also masked Brazil's weaknesses as a team. They now tend to rely on individual abilities rather than performing well collectively.

A question arises regarding Brazil's performance in the World Cup if they continue to rely on Dorival. Brazil cannot always depend on individual talent. Therefore, the name Ancelotti has resurfaced. The Italian coach was previously linked to the position of Brazil's national team coach in 2022 and 2023. However, Ancelotti ultimately remained with Real Madrid.

"CBF has contacted Ancelotti to become their coach ahead of the upcoming summer tournament (World Cup) in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, replacing Dorival Junior, who is currently under pressure," wrote The Athletic in its report.

Real's side claims to have no knowledge of any contact between Brazil and Ancelotti. Brazil's interest in the man nicknamed Don Carlo seems timeless. They acknowledge being captivated by Ancelotti's charm, as if forever ensnared in his world.

It resembles the symptoms of Stockholm syndrome where the captive victim admires his captor. Likewise, the relationship between Brazil and Ancelotti. Brazil knows that Ancelotti has been hypnotized, but is reluctant to change and prefers to continue to admire him.

Ancelotti is still under contract with Real until 2026. However, his position has recently been rumored to be insecure following Real's approach to Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso. There is no true loyalty at Real, only ambition for titles. Ancelotti is very aware of Real's culture, especially since he was fired a season after leading Real to win the European Champions League trophy in 2015.

Real still has the chance to win three titles in a season. "Los Blancos" managed to reach the quarter-finals of the Champions League, the semifinals of the Spanish King's Cup, and compete closely with Barcelona at the top of the Spanish League standings. Several rumors say that there is no mercy for Ancelotti if he fails to win the Champions League this season.

If that happens, Brazil's long wait for Ancelotti's cool touch will be over. However, major negotiations are likely to occur before the start of next season, more precisely when Real participates in the Club World Cup in June 2025. Until then, Brazil will still be living a long-distance love with Ancelotti.

In addition to Ancelotti, Brazil is also reportedly considering former Atletico Madrid defender Filipe Luis as a candidate to replace Dorival. Luis currently coaches local Brazilian team Flamengo. During his 26-match spell in charge of Flamengo, he has performed well, leading his team to 19 wins, six draws and only one loss.

However, Luis will only be the umpteenth option in Brazil's coaching replacement scheme. Wherever Brazil looks, they only see Ancelotti.