New Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said the team must help Vinicius Junior rediscover the form he has shown at Real Madrid.
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Brazil must help Vinicius unleash his Real Madrid form
Ancelotti and Vinicius worked together at Real Madrid, winning multiple titles two Champions League titles and two LaLiga crowns.
“I don’t know if he’s been at his best here, but he has time to do what he does at Real Madrid,” Ancelotti told reporters ahead of Brazil’s World Cup qualifying match against Ecuador on Thursday — his first match in charge of the national team.
“For us, he’s a fundamental player. We have to work to ensure he performs at his best here,” the manager added.
VinÃcius made his World Cup debut in Qatar in 2022 and has been a regular in Brazil’s qualifying campaign for the 2026 tournament.
However, he has struggled to replicate his club form with the national team, falling short of the high standards he sets at Real Madrid.
No identity, just defend well
Meanwhile, Ancelotti he aims to field a compact, balanced team that will defend well.
“I don’t want a team with a clear identity. We have to defend well, whether it’s 4-3-3 or 4-4-2. We have to defend together and use creativity with the ball,” he said.
“Individual quality is not enough today; you have to combine it with attitude, drive and commitment.”
Brazil are currently fourth in the South American World Cup qualifying standings, while their next opponents, Ecuador, sit in second place behind world champions Argentina.
The top six teams will qualify directly for the tournament.
Brazil will host Paraguay in São Paulo next week.
A win could secure them an early spot at next year’s World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
