Carlo Ancelotti has 'wonderful opportunity' to lead Brazil to World Cup success, says Julio Cesar

Jaquob Crooke Published: 03 Jun 25 13:44

Brazil's appointment of Carlo Ancelotti is a major statement of intent from the Brazilian Football Confederation and former Selecao star Julio Cesar believes the decorated Italian is the man to end their World Cup pain next summer.

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The CBF unveiled Ancelotti as the new head coach of the Brazil national team at the end of May after it was confirmed he would be departing Real Madrid at the end of the 2024/25 season.

Nicknamed 'Don Carlo' in Spain, the 65-year-old became one of the most decorated managers of all time during his second spell with Los Blancos which saw them achieve two La Liga titles and two UEFA Champions League successes.

He inherits a team that were seemingly in disarray following a crushing 4-1 defeat to rivals Argentina in World Cup qualification, a result which prompted the CBF to take radical action with the dismissal of Dorival Junior.

Ancelotti is the first foreigner to take solo charge of Brazil and despite his illustrious background, the decision to appoint a non-Brazilian has been deemed as an admission of failure by some critics.

However, ex-goalkeeper Cesar, who accumulated 87 caps for the Selecao over a 10-year period and played in three World Cups, believes the appointment of Ancelotti heading into next year's tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico gives Brazil the best possible chance of triumphing for a record-extending sixth time.

“He’s a spectacular coach and I think this time for us [Brazil], it’s important to have a manager like him," Cesar said in an exclusive interview with bet365.

“He’s coached so many Brazilian players. I read in an interview that he’s coached 34 different Brazilian players, so I think he knows the setup and for the players it will be a pleasure to have him.

“He has a wonderful opportunity to do an amazing job for the Brazil national team.”