Florent Malouda admits soft spot for Brazilian national team

Florent Malouda has confessed his support for the Brazilian national team as well as commenting on the appointment of Carlo Ancelotti.

Eyebrows were raised when the news filtered through in early May that Carlo Ancelotti would leave Real Madrid with whispers of a stint with Brazil beginning almost immediately after his departure was announced.

The job with the Seleção will be Ancelotti's first step into international management following a glittering club career that took him to some of Europe's most prestigious sides.

He has won more UEFA Champions League titles than any other manager with his most recent coming with Real Madrid in 2024.

This was his third with Los Blancos to partner the two he had already picked up whilst in charge of AC Milan.

Ancelotti also boasts domestic titles in England, France and Germany whilst sitting in the Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich dugouts.

His time in England was also punctuated with Community Shield and FA Cup wins and Florent Malouda - a key part of those triumphs - has admitting that he is a fan of Ancelotti's current team.

"Away from the French national team, Brazil is a team I support," said Malouda.

"To see him join a prestigious nation like Brazil, I wish him nothing but success."

"It is still surprising to see an Italian managing the Brazilian national team and I'm quite curious to see how he does."

Malouda played some of the best football of his career under the Italian boss, adapting to a more central role that he had previously been used to.

The Frenchman became absolutely pivotal to Chelsea's success - named Premier League Player of the Month for the first time during a campaign where he notched 15 goals and assists in all competitions.

With 101 appearances during this time, no player played more games during Ancelotti's time at Stamford Bridge.

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Ancelotti's reign as manager of Brazil got off to a shaky start but he relied on a familiar face to clinch World Cup qualification in his second game.

Vinicius Junior found the net during a 1-0 win over Paraguay which calmed any nerves following Ancelotti's opening game draw bore draw with Ecuador.

William Dobbie

• Brazil Men's Football Team
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