HighLights
  1. Ancelotti was clear in his response, saying Brazil were still finalising their team for the contest.
  2. The 67-year-old also spoke about the importance of patience in management.
  3. Ancelotti admitted the team had failed to compete at the required level.

Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti described the much-anticipated clash against India as an “opportunity” rather than a test for his players, while insisting that the five-time world champions have “full respect” for their opponents ahead of Saturday’s historic friendly in Kolkata.

The celebrated Italian manager, who took charge of Brazil in May 2025, said his team was happy to be in India and looking forward to an entertaining contest at the Salt Lake Stadium.

“I hope it will be an entertaining game. We're happy to be here and to show our quality,” Ancelotti said on Friday.

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Asked whether the match would serve as a test for his squad, Ancelotti was clear in his response, saying Brazil were still finalising their team for the contest.

“For the squad and all the players, it's not a test or an opportunity to prove themselves. We are still defining the final squad for the match. It's not a test, but an opportunity,” he said.

Ancelotti Shows Respect For India

Ancelotti also stressed that Brazil would not take India lightly, pointing to the hosts' recent 1-1 draw against Panama.

“We have respect for the quality of the Indian team. They played a good draw against Panama. We have full respect for our opponents,” he said.

The 67-year-old also spoke about the importance of patience in management and the challenge of building chemistry within a national team.

“It's a pleasure to work with all of the new members. Not only them, but the whole squad. It has been a great moment, bringing them together, creating synergy and feeling the energy in the squad,” he said.

Asked to reveal his starting XI, Ancelotti simply replied: “No.”

Brazil Looking To Build For The Future

Brazil come into the Kolkata contest after playing two matches in Australia, drawing one and winning the other 4-2. Ancelotti said the matches in Australia and India form an important part of Brazil's preparation.

“All these games in Australia and India are good preparation and a good opportunity to show what we can do,” he said.

The Italian also highlighted three qualities he wants to remain central to Brazil's identity, commitment, quality and happiness while playing football.

Brazil are using the current cycle to blend experienced names such as Vinicius Jr and Marquinhos with younger players.

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The team has also made changes in goal, with Hugo Souza, Pedro Morisco and Otavio replacing the World Cup goalkeeping trio of Alisson, Ederson and Weverton.

Reflecting on Brazil's disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign, Ancelotti admitted the team had failed to compete at the required level.

“It was a difficult period for us. It is motivation for a new generation of players to be able to compete at the highest level in the coming years,” he said.

Indian fans await the historic clash between India and Brazil with all eyes on how Blue Tigers react.


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