Carlo Ancelotti will take over as Brazil manager next year after his current Real Madrid contract expires, according to CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues.
WHAT OCCURED? Following Tite's exit after the
2022 World Cup, Brazil chief Rodrigues has announced the team's plans. Fernando
Diniz will lead the Selecao on an interim basis for a year while also serving
as manager of Fluminense. Ancelotti will then take over when his current Real
Madrid deal expires in the summer of 2024.
"His (Diniz) game plan is almost identical
to that of the coach who will take over at the Copa America, Ancelotti,"
Rodrigues remarked. "We don't refer to him as the national team's
temporary coach. He will travel to Brazil to assist Ancelotti in his
transition."
THE BIG PICTURE: Many of Brazil's top players
have already stated their desire for Ancelotti to be the team's next manager.
Neymar believes the Italian "can teach us a lot," while Vinicius Jr
believes the Madrid coach is the best in the world and hopes to work with him
on the international stage.
ADDITIONALLY, Real Madrid has already been
connected with successors for Ancelotti. Former footballer Xabi Alonso, who
presently leads Bayer Leverkusen, has been identified by the club as a possible
successor next summer.
WHAT COMES NEXT FOR BRAZIL? Between September
and November, the Selecao will compete in five World Cup qualifiers. The Copa
America is scheduled to take place in June and July 2024, with Ancelotti
expected to be in his new job by then.