New Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti stated on Wednesday that the national team must help star forward Vinicius Jr. replicate the world-class form he consistently displays for Real Madrid.
Speaking ahead of his managerial debut for Brazil in a crucial World Cup qualifier against Ecuador on Thursday, Ancelotti identified the 24-year-old as a cornerstone of his new project. The Italian manager, who enjoyed a trophy-laden partnership with the player at Real Madrid, winning two Champions League and two La Liga titles together, emphasized Vinicius Jr.’s vital importance to the squad.
“I don’t know if he’s been at his best here, but he has time to do what he does at Real Madrid,” Ancelotti told reporters. “For us, he’s a fundamental player. We have to work to ensure he performs at his best here.”
Despite being a regular for the national team since his 2022 World Cup debut, Vinicius Jr. has yet to consistently reach the same performance levels for Brazil as he has in club football.
Ancelotti, taking charge of a national team for the first time, outlined a pragmatic tactical philosophy, prioritizing defensive solidity and collective effort over a rigid playing identity.
“I don’t want a team with a clear identity. We have to defend well, whether it’s 4-3-3 or 4-4-2. We have to defend together and use creativity with the ball,” he said. “Individual quality is not enough today; you have to combine it with attitude, drive and commitment.”
While he did not reveal his starting lineup for the match in Guayaquil, Ancelotti offered praise for 18-year-old prodigy Estevao, who is set to join Chelsea from Palmeiras.
“He’s got a special talent… he’s got character, he’s a good person, he’s humble… but with a young player we have to be patient and careful,” the coach remarked. “He has the characteristics to be very important for the future of the national team.”
Brazil currently sits fourth in the tightly contested South American World Cup qualifying standings, with their opponents Ecuador in second place behind world champions Argentina. The top six teams from the continent will qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup, to be held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Following their match against Ecuador, Brazil will host Paraguay in Sao Paulo next week.
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