Ancelotti is finding his feet as the Brazilian boss prepares for a defensive shake-up against Senegal

Carlo Ancelotti may still struggle against the Portuguese, but the Italian is increasingly comfortable in his role as Brazil coach as he prepares to field an experimental defensive line-up in a friendly with Senegal at Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

Nearly six months into his tenure, the ex-Real Madrid boss is adapting to a radically different routine to his club days, trading daily training sessions for more periodic work as he builds to the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the US.

The 3-2 defeat to Japan last month was a wake-up call for Ancelotti, whose side had conceded one goal in their first five games ahead of Japan’s second leg in Tokyo.

That defensive collapse when leading 2-0 at half-time has sparked a tactical search, with Real Madrid centre-back Eder Militao set to start at right-back against Senegal as the coach continues to search for reliable full-backs.

SOLID DEFENSE HELPS QUALITY PLAYERS

“The defense played a key role in Brazil’s last World Cup victories,” said Ancelotti, inspired by the country’s World Cup victories in 1994 and 2002.

“(A) team with fantastic individuality, who enjoyed the game but knew how not to be in the spotlight… I remember 1994, a team with two defensive midfielders, very tight at the back and with Bebeto and Romario (up front) to make the difference.

«That’s what I think for the World Cup. A solid defense helps quality players make the difference.»

«Militao has a different profile than other right-backs. I’m going to ask for something different in terms of quality and playing style,» he added.

«It is an option that we can use at the World Cup to give the team more strength at the back, but against Japan we conceded three goals. We have assessed our mistakes and we will try to improve in that area to play a good match.»

Adjusting to international football has required patience from a coach who is used to daily interaction with his players.

«For me it’s a good experience. When I arrived it was to prepare for the two World Cup qualifiers (against Ecuador and Paraguay), and then I had to make some adjustments,» he said, as he secured a place in the final with a 1-0 win over Paraguay.

«I’m not used to working occasionally. I used to work every day, and now it’s different. The work of scouting players was the most difficult to adapt to, but I enjoy it.»

ANCELOTTI SETTLED in RIO

Despite the challenges, Ancelotti appears to be energized by his new surroundings in his new home in Rio de Janeiro.

«It’s very good for me, it’s a different job and a job of observation, which has been very good. I have the opportunity to work in a very good environment and get to know another country. Brazil is fantastic and the reception has been spectacular.»

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Saturday’s match presents a curious historical footnote: Senegal, along with Norway, is one of only two teams Brazil has faced but never defeated.

The Selecao’s record against the African country stands at a draw in 2019 and a defeat in 2023, meaning Ancelotti’s seventh game in charge offers a chance to wrap up unfinished business.

Published on November 14, 2025