Brazil’s football legend, Romario, has expressed strong disapproval of Carlo Ancelotti leading the Selecao following his departure from Real Madrid.
The seasoned Italian strategist was first speculated to be joining the Selecao lineup earlier this year. He has long been considered as the leader of the Brazil national team. Rather, Ancelotti continued to lead Real Madrid, and Fernando Diniz was appointed as a temporary replacement for one year, so the Italian might still be in charge come July 2024. But the legendary Romario of Brazil, who won the World Cup in 1994 and scored 55 goals in 71 games for the Selecao, has solidified his position against Ancelotti taking charge.
“Actually, here’s the thing, first I want to congratulate Ednaldo (Rodrigues), who is president of the CBF, he chose Diniz well. He’s the best coach we’ve got,” Romario told Brazilian outlet O Globo. “He [Diniz] doesn’t have time to do with the national team what he does at club level, which is his forte, training, getting these players together, he does what he can. He’s drawn and lost the last two games, nobody always wins. But I can say that, in my opinion, in my humble opinion, the Brazilian national team is in great hands with Diniz. F*ck Ancelotti. I want him [Diniz] until the end.”
Romario’s support is noteworthy even though Diniz’s Brazil team is currently outside the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying spots after losing 2-0 to Uruguay in October. Uruguay is currently on the same goal difference as the Selecao but is in second place. Until the end of the season, Ancelotti’s contract at the Santiago Bernabeu is up, although he has not yet commented on his future.
The Italian will watch as Real Madrid looks to push its unbeaten streak to eight games against Rayo Vallecano on Sunday, after a masterclass from Jude Bellingham led his team to a derby-day victory over Barcelona last Saturday.
* Agency Report