With limited time, coach Carlo Ancelotti took every opportunity to build relationships and convey instructions to the Brazilian team without losing his lightness and comfort.

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Coach Ancelotti joins the team in training. Photo: EFE

Ancelotti showed many different sides of himself during his days working with Brazil . He was both an instructor, giving advice on technique and tactics; and a humorous person, always creating laughter in training sessions.

He is a manager, always keeping an eye on every detail; and especially a human resources manager, trying to understand each player and connect with them.

During this time, Ancelotti was seen wearing his cap backwards, participating in a round of “altinha” (a popular beach sport in Brazil, which involves keeping the ball in the air without letting it touch the ground), laughing with the players and having friendly conversations.

When it comes to training, Ancelotti is strict, strategic and communicative. But always with a light heart.

Not only on the field, Ancelotti also talked privately with many players in the training area. Being a multilingual person (Italian, Spanish, English, French), he started learning Portuguese and now can understand the language quite well. Culturally, he adapted quite well.

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Coach Ancelotti directs Brazil's training session. Photo: CBF

With his current squad, Ancelotti has experimented with player roles and tactical systems. He has mainly used 4-3-3, 4-2-4 and even a three-man defence.

Technical issues need time to be effective. First of all, Carletto creates a happy atmosphere and increases the confidence of the players. His style is very new to the Brazilian audience.

“What impressed me was the simplicity in the way he spoke, whether in daily life or in preparation for matches, training sessions... The way he presented his ideas was very clear, making it easy for the players to understand,” goalkeeper Alisson shared.

Casemiro added: “Carlo is very humble despite his great achievements. His ability to connect with and understand the players is his strength.”

During the most important training session before the Paraguay match, Ancelotti stood on a chair to tell a story, then sang the song "The most beautiful years of our lives" to the whole team.

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Brazil lost to Paraguay in the first leg. Photo: CBF

Ancelotti is looking for his first win with Brazil. By overcoming Paraguay, who beat them in the first leg, while Uruguay beat Venezuela in the early match, the Canarinhas will officially secure an early ticket to the 2026 World Cup .

Paraguay plays pragmatically, waiting for counter-attack opportunities and playing tough. Brazil needs breakthroughs from the stars, or from set pieces to win.

Victory and a ticket to the 2026 World Cup will be a meaningful 66th birthday gift for Ancelotti (June 10).

Expected lineup:

Brazil (4-2-4): Alisson; Vanderson, Marquinhos, Alexsandro, Alex Sandro; Casemiro, Bruno Guimaraes; Raphinha, Gabriel Martinelli, Matheus Cunha, Vinicius.

Paraguay (4-4-2): Roberto Fernandez; Caceres, Gustavo Gomez, Alderete, Alonso; Diego Gomez, Cubas, Galarza, Enciso; Almiron, Sanabria.

Match odds: Brazil handicap 1 1/4

Goal Odds: 2 1/4

Prediction: Brazil win 1-0 .

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/nhan-dinh-bong-da-brazil-vs-paraguay-vong-loai-world-cup-2026-2410151.html