Capello advises Ancelotti to lead Brazil
"This is a heavy defeat for Real," Capello told Sky Sports after Real lost 4-0 in the semi-final second leg of the Champions League. "Maybe Ancelotti is thinking of an offer from Brazil, when there are so many strong teams. If you want to end your career with success in the World Cup, this is Ancelotti's chance."
At the Etihad Stadium yesterday, Ancelotti caused controversy when he placed Antonio Rudiger as a substitute, even though the centre-back had controlled Erling Haaland well in the first leg semi-final. Eder Militao was suspended for the game at the Bernabeu, but was paired with David Alaba in the rematch in Manchester.
On BT Sport, Rio Ferdinand highly appreciated Rudiger's performance in the first leg, especially in keeping Haaland, and admitted he did not understand why the German midfielder was left out of the starting line-up in the second leg. The British player said that Ancelotti trusts Militao more because he has been a key factor in Real's defense since last season, but the decision will make the Italian coach receive criticism from the Spanish media.
Michael Owen tried to explain the 63-year-old coach's decision: "Militao is Ancelotti's favorite player and the mainstay of Real all season. Suddenly because of a good performance, you will eliminate Militao? If I were Militao, I would think 'I've only been out for one game and I've played well all season.' Still, it's still a landmark decision for Ancelotti."
Meanwhile, Joleon Lescott said that Militao has the same level of aggression as Rudiger, but has less emotional control. "Rudiger will focus on stopping Haaland and Militao wants to be Man of the Match, and I think sometimes that can be harmful to teammates," added Lescott.
Ancelotti's decision did not work when Real were inferior and conceded two goals in the first half. He launched Rudiger to replace Luka Modric from the 63rd minute, pushed David Alaba to the left-back and Eduardo Camavinga into midfield, but did not help Real improve the game. Real received two more goals and became the former king with a total score of 1-5.
After the match, Ancelotti admitted Real were inferior to Man City but still had a great Champions League season, and denied the possibility of resigning. "The future is very clear, this defeat will make us better next season. We are Real and we will be back. This is a good season and failures happen in sports," said the Italian coach. .
Ancelotti has a contract with Real until the summer of 2024, but his future is not guaranteed after failing in the Spanish Super Cup, La Liga and Champions League this season. Earlier this month, the president of the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) Ednaldo Rodrigues confirmed that he wanted to appoint Ancelotti to lead the team, but has not made an official offer.
Brazil has no official coach, since coach Tite left after the 2022 World Cup. U20 coach Ramon Menezes is acting temporarily. CBF is still looking for a new coach. Legendary Ronaldo Nazario thinks now is the ideal time for CBF to choose a foreign coach. Ronaldo highly appreciates Pep Guardiola, but admits that it is difficult for CBF to meet the salary of the Spanish coach, and considers Ancelotti a good candidate.
Meanwhile, Rivaldo objected that it would be disrespectful to CFB to appoint a foreign coach to lead the team. In its history since 1914, the Brazilian national team has only had three short stints under the leadership of a foreign coach, including Uruguayan coach Ramon Platero in 1925, Portuguese coach Joreca in 1944 and Argentina coach Filpo Nunez in 1965.
