Ancelotti reveals his Brazil plans and delivers telling verdict on Vinicius

Carlo Ancelotti is living a new reality in Brazil. From the white of Real Madrid to the yellow of the canarinha, and from the frenetic life of Spain’s capital to the festive atmosphere of Rio de Janeiro’s carnivals. The Italian coach is preparing for his next big challenge – the 2026 World Cup – and before that he will feature in the next episode of Universo Valdano. A preview of the conversation between Ancelotti and Jorge Valdano has already been released. It premieres on February 20 at 4:00 p.m. ET.

“I think I’m going to renew for four years with Brazil. It’s a new job, I like it a lot,” the Italian says about the challenge of international soccer. The CBF, which made Carlo Ancelotti’s arrival official in May 2025, seems to want to keep the coach for much longer. In what looks like a path they will continue together, the former Real Madrid coach received Valdano at the Brazilian Football Confederation’s facilities.

Arriving as one of the most successful coaches in history, Ancelotti knows well what Brazil has. Some of its internationals have played under him, and among them Vinicius is one of the players in the spotlight looking ahead to the World Cup. “I’ve spoken with him. A player has to respect the coach and his teammates. He’s improved his attitude on the field a lot,” he emphasizes.

“Brazilians are very humble, they’re very different. The Vini who comes here is very different from the one at Real Madrid, on a human level,” he adds to Valdano.

The Italian is not exempt from soccer current affairs, much less that involving his successor at Real Madrid, Xabi Alonso, who ended up being dismissed by the club. “He has found difficulties… The spirit of adaptation is a very important component in a coach’s job, and trying to recreate an environment needs time that you can’t always get,” he says on the program.

Ancelotti, who has also been characterized by his good touch in locker rooms and his calm personality that almost turned him into a father for some of his players, also reviews current affairs with the Argentine and talks about Arbeloa, Real Madrid, his former teammates as a player, and the national team he leads – and will lead – at the World Cup. Still, Movistar Plus’ preview leaves Real Madrid fans wanting more. Valdano asks him: “Would you like to go back to the club?” “That’s a good question…” the trailer ends.