New Delhi: New Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti wants Vinicius Junior to show the form he has displayed at Real Madrid under him for the national team.
The Italian coach has become Brazil’s first full-time coach in over a century after guiding the Spanish giants to multiple titles alongside the Brazilian forward.
Under Ancelotti, Vinicius has developed into a dangerous player capable of unsettling opposing defences with his pace and trickery and played a pivotal role in Real’s recent two Champions League triumphs and as many La Liga crowns.
Brazil take on Ecuador in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday, which will be Ancelotti first game in charge of the five-time champions.
“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 said at a media interaction on the eve of the match.
“For us, he’s a fundamental player. We have to work to ensure he performs at his best here.”
Since making his World Cup debut in Qatar 2022 and becoming a regular in the ongoing qualifying campaign for the 2026 tournament, Vinicius hasn’t quite lived up to his billing in comparison to his usual high standards at Real.
Ancelotti also said he aims to form a compact, balanced team, when asked to speak about his tactical approach.
“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.”
Brazil lie fourth in the points table for the South American World Cup qualifiers, two slots behind. World champions Argentina top the standings and the top six qualify directly for the World Cup in USA, Mexico and Canada.
After Ecuador, Brazil host Paraguay in Sao Paulo next week and wins in these matches could ensure them an early spot at the World Cup next year.
Brazil take on Ecuador in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday, which will be Carlo Ancelotti first game in charge of the five-time champions. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
