Each match of the Brazilian team has helped Carlo Ancelotti define who the Italian will take to the World Cup. On the eve of the clash against Senegal, this Saturday (14), in London, at the Emirates Stadium, the coach spoke about the fight in the still undefined positions.
“There are six months left until the World Cup, so many things could happen, injuries, a player’s physical condition may drop a little,” said Ancelotti. “The idea I have of the final lineup, the final team, is quite clear. There are some positions missing, obviously, there is a fight between the players. The coaching staff has to observe until the last day. Until the last day I will have doubts because the quality of all these players is very high. Choosing the final lineup of the 26 who will play in the World Cup will be very difficult.”
On Tuesday (18), Brazil faces Tunisia, in Lille. These will be the last two friendlies of 2025. The idea is that the group called up in March for the last call-up before the final list for the World Cup, which will be announced in May, will be very close to the one going to the World Cup. Until then, we need to test as much as possible.
“Individual qualities, defensive and offensive organization, trying to use the best lineup, keep improving and keep learning,” said Ancelotti. “I’m happy so far with what the team has done and also with the mistakes, because with one mistake you can now learn to improve and be more prepared for the World Cup. If you make a mistake in the World Cup, you’ll probably go home.”
The variety of opponents is also part of the planning. After facing South American teams in the qualifiers and Asian teams in the last friendlies against South Korea and Japan, Brazil will play against African teams. In March, the clashes will be against European teams to be confirmed, possibly Croatia and France.
“We have to give players the opportunity to get to know these types of different schools. Football is globalized, but there are teams with different characteristics. Asian teams are different from Senegal or Tunisia. There could be a surprise at the World Cup, it could be an African team, like Morocco was at the last World Cup.”
The team won 37 of the 43 games played against African teams, but never beat Senegal. In the history of clashes, there is one draw and one defeat.
Ancelotti did not give any tips on the lineup, but confirmed that he will use the 4-2-4 formation, as in the 5-0 defeat of South Korea.
“In my opinion, this is the best system because we have strong players up front, but we cannot rule out other systems that may be a little less offensive but more solid at the back.”
The Italian was announced to be in charge of the national team in May this year, with a contract until the World Cup. One of the most successful coaches in world football, he is the only coach to win national titles in the five main European leagues — England, Spain, France, Italy and Germany.
The debut was a goalless draw against Ecuador. In the following match, the 1-0 victory over Paraguay qualified Brazil for the World Cup. They beat Chile 3-0, were defeated by Bolivia 0-1, beat South Korea 5-0, and lost to Japan 2-3.
“When I arrived, I needed to prepare to qualify the team for the World Cup. Then, I had doubts, because I’m not used to working every now and then. I used to work every day, now it’s different. It’s a different job because it’s an observation job. I have the opportunity to work in a very good environment and get to know another country. Brazil is a fantastic country, the reception has been spectacular. I’m very happy, very satisfied, taking into account that the objective we’ve been working towards over the last six months is very important not only for us, but for the whole country. We work with motivation, confidence, with the idea of winning.”
The Italian also praised the players, many of whom he trained at clubs.
“I’m delighted with those who were here, who are here. They make the environment very good. The team’s environment is very clean, not only among the players, but among everyone who works here. It’s an important aspect for the World Cup, because in a clean environment it’s possible to work at the maximum level,” said Ancelotti.
“I trust the seriousness and professionalism of the players. It’s a team that doesn’t look at the phone much, that’s good. They talk a lot among themselves, there’s a good relationship, companionship, I like this environment. In this environment, the phone is outside the dressing room, the dining room, and that’s positive.”
Technical sheet: Brazil x Senegal (Friendly)
Local: Emirates Stadium, London
Time: 1pm (Brasília time)
Transmission: Globo, SporTV and Ge TV
Brazil: Ederson; Wesley, Marquinhos, Gabriel Magalhães and Caio Henrique; Casemiro, Bruno Guimarães and Paquetá; Estêvão, Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior
Technical: Carlo Ancelotti
Senegal: The Mundy; Alexandre Mendy, Kuilabaly, Niakhate e Diuf; Pape Matar Sarr, Gueye e Ndiaye; Ismaila Sarr, Sadio Mane E Nicolas Jackson
Technical: Pope Thiaw
