Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has weighed in on Carlo Ancelotti’s potential appointment as the national team’s coach. While more open-minded than before, Lula cautioned that there are capable Brazilian coaches who could lead the team. He noted the country’s many talented players and coaches working abroad.
The Real Issue
Lula believes the real problem lies with the current generation of Brazilian players, which he described as “more fragile” than previous ones. He recalled the country’s attacking prowess in 2002 and 2006, highlighting the gap between then and now. The president expressed concerns about Brazil’s chances in the 2026 World Cup.
A Radical Solution
Lula suggested an unconventional approach to address the issue. He proposed assembling a team of the top 22 players from the Brazilian championship to see how they perform. Lula believes this team could be just as good as, or even better than, one made up of players from abroad. He’s been pushing for this idea since 2024, and it remains to be seen if it’ll gain traction.
The president’s comments come as the Brazilian Football Confederation considers its options for the national team’s coaching position. Ancelotti’s potential appointment has sparked debate, with Lula’s remarks adding fuel to the discussion.