Nearly six months into his tenure, Italian coaching legend Carlo Ancelotti is adapting to his role as Brazil's national team manager, signaling a defensive shake-up following a recent 3-2 friendly defeat to Japan.
Ancelotti, preparing for a friendly against Senegal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, is focused on building a "solid defence" as the foundation for their 2026 World Cup campaign.
The collapse against Japan, where Brazil conceded three goals after leading 2-0 at halftime, has prompted a strategic shift.
Ancelotti confirmed that Real Madrid centre-back Eder Militao will start at right-back against Senegal. The coach sees this as a viable "option" for the World Cup, aiming to give the team more defensive solidity by utilizing Militao's unique profile.
Ancelotti drew inspiration from Brazil's 1994 and 2002 World Cup-winning sides, highlighting their "very tight at the back" structures that allowed their individual attacking quality to flourish.
The coach noted the significant shift from his club routine of daily training to the periodic work of a national team manager. He called the required scouting and player observation the most challenging part of the adaptation, though he is enjoying the experience and environment in Brazil.
The friendly against Senegal presents a unique opportunity, as Senegal is one of only two teams (alongside Norway) that Brazil has never beaten, holding a record of one draw (2019) and one defeat (2023).
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