Former coach Fabio Capello advised compatriot Carlo Ancelotti to accept an invitation from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CFB), after Real lost 1-5 to Man City in the Champions League semi-finals.
"This is a heavy defeat for Real," Capello told Sky Sports after Real lost 0-4 in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final. "Maybe Ancelotti is thinking about an offer from Brazil, as there are many strong teams now. If he wants to end his career with success at the World Cup, this is Ancelotti's chance."
Coach Ancelotti talks with Vinicius at the Etihad Stadium during the second leg of the Champions League semi-final on May 17. Photo: AS
At the Etihad yesterday, Ancelotti caused controversy by benching Antonio Rudiger, despite the centre-back having held Erling Haaland well in the first leg of the semi-final. Eder Militao was suspended for the Bernabeu game, but was paired with David Alaba in the rematch in Manchester.
On BT Sport , Rio Ferdinand praised Rudiger's performance in the first leg, especially in marking Haaland, and admitted that he did not understand why the German centre-back was left out of the starting lineup for the return leg. The Englishman commented that Ancelotti trusted Militao more because he was a key factor in Real's defense last season, but the decision will cause the Italian coach to face criticism from the Spanish media.
Militao - Ancelotti's pick for the second leg of the semi-final - did not play well. Photo: AFP
Michael Owen tried to explain the 63-year-old coach's decision: "Militao is Ancelotti's favorite player and has been a mainstay of Real all season. Suddenly because of a good performance, you will remove Militao? If I were Militao, I would think 'I've only been out for one game and I've played well all season'. However, this is still a turning point decision for Ancelotti."
Meanwhile, Joleon Lescott commented that Militao has the same level of aggression as Rudiger, but is less emotionally controlled. "Rudiger will focus on stopping Haaland while Militao wants to be the best player of the match, and I think sometimes that can be harmful to his teammates," Lescott added.
Ancelotti's decision did not work as Real were outplayed and conceded two goals in the first half. He brought on Rudiger for Luka Modric in the 63rd minute, pushing David Alaba to left-back and Eduardo Camavinga into midfield, but it did not help Real improve the game. Real conceded two more goals and became the former champions with a total score of 1-5.
Key developments of the match Man City 4-0 Real Madrid.
After the match, Ancelotti admitted that Real were inferior to Man City but still had a great Champions League season, and denied the possibility of resigning. "The future is clear, this defeat will help us better next season. We are Real and we will come back. This is a good season and defeats happen in sport ," said the Italian coach.
Ancelotti is under contract with Real until the summer of 2024, but his future is uncertain after failing to win the Spanish Super Cup, La Liga and Champions League this season. Earlier this month, Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) president Ednaldo Rodrigues confirmed his desire to appoint Ancelotti to coach the national team, but has not made an official offer.
Brazil have been without a permanent coach since Tite left after the 2022 World Cup. U20 coach Ramon Menezes is in temporary charge. The CBF is still looking for a new coach. Legendary Ronaldo Nazario believes that now is the ideal time for the CBF to choose a foreign coach. Ronaldo highly appreciates Pep Guardiola, but admits that the CBF will find it difficult to meet the Spanish coach's salary, and sees Ancelotti as a potential candidate.
Meanwhile, Rivaldo objected, saying that CFB's appointment of a foreign coach to lead the team would be disrespectful to domestic coaches. In its history since 1914, the Brazilian team has only been led by three short periods of foreign coaches, including Uruguayan coach Ramon Platero in 1925, Portuguese coach Joreca in 1944 and Argentine coach Filpo Nunez in 1965.
Hong Duy
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