What Brazilian Media Are Saying About Carlo Ancelotti’s First Game as Manager

Brazilian media have responded to Carlo Ancelotti’s first game in charge of the national team, following years of speculation as to whether or not he would ever take the Canarinho hotseat. Ancelotti agreed a deal to take charge of the five-time world champions heading into the 2026 World Cup, after being replaced at Real Madrid by Xabi Alonso.

His first squad saw returns for the likes of Manchester United midfielder Casemiro, and also included youngster Willian Estevao, who is set to join Chelsea following their purchase of him last summer. And now, the verdict on the Italian has emerged after his international management bow against Ecuador.

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Vinicius Junior and co failed to impress

With the likes of the aforementioned Casemiro and Estevao starting, as well as Tottenham striker Richarlison and Champions League winner Marquinhos, Brazil laboured to a 0-0 draw with Ecuador on Thursday night. This leaves them fourth in the South American World Cup qualifying group, behind their opponents, Paraguay and Argentina.

As a result, the reaction from the nation’s media was unsurprisingly negative, with ESPN Brasil claiming: “In the debut of the Ancelotti Era, the Brazilian team lacked brightness,” and delivered a worse-than-expected performance.

Elsewhere, Globo suggested that the multi-time Champions League winner was unable to work any miracles after having just three training sessions with his squad, though did infer that there could be more hope in the future once the former AC Milan and Chelsea boss has more time to settle into his new role.

X account ‘All Things Brazil’ also slammed the display, describing it as: “A performance so bad I genuinely don’t have words to describe. Outplayed for 90 minutes.”

It wasn’t just the Brazilian media that criticised Ancelotti either, with Spanish publication Marca labelling the performance: “No sugar, no beautiful game, a shadow of what it was.”

The turnaround for Ancelotti’s next game will be just as quick, with a clash against third-placed Paraguay less than a week away, taking place on 11th June.