Manchester United midfielder Casemiro has praised the hiring of Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti for the Brazilian national team, saying that his country “needed” a prominent manager like the five-team Champions League winner.
Casemiro won two Champions League titles and a La Liga crown during his three seasons playing under Ancelotti in Madrid.
“After Tite left, I think it had to be him,” the 33-year-old told ESPN Brasil. “Brazil needed professionals like him, Brazil needed a big name like him, someone who commands respect.”
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced on Monday that Ancelotti would finish his time with Madrid at the end of the season and take charge on May 26 as the country’s first foreign coach.
“This guy is exceptional. This guy is incredible, the way he talks about football, the way he understands football,” Casemiro added.
Once on the sideline, Ancelotti will need to hit the ground running with CONMEBOL’s World Cup qualifying campaign resuming for Brazil with a June 5 away match against Ecuador. Five days later, they’ll host Paraguay.
Currently fourth in the standings, the five-time world champions will need to finish in the top six for an automatic spot in the 2026 World Cup, which kicks off in just 13 months.
