FC Barcelona legend and former Ballon d’Or winner Rivaldo used social media to praise Real Madrid … More
NurPhoto via Getty Images
FC Barcelona legend and Ballon d’Or winner Rivaldo used social media to praise Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti, who is now confirmed to leave the club at the end of the season and take over as Brazil national team boss.
Madrid hasn’t made any announcement on either development, but reports from the likes of Fabrizio Romano and El Chiringuito on Xabi Alonso becoming Los Blancos’ manager were made on Monday just a few hours before the president of the Brazilian soccer federation the CBF – Ednaldo Rodrigues – revealed Ancelotti will be appointed the tactical leader of the five-time World Cup kings known as the Selecao.
Though Ancelotti didn’t pick Rivaldo often during their time at AC Milan together in the early 2000s, the ex-forward has always been publicly respectful of the Champions League’s most successful coach while stressing there is no bad blood between them.
Via Instagram, one of the main protagonists of Brazil’s last World Cup win in 2002 praised the overall idea of the soon-to-be-former Madrid don taking over his country’s reins despite his preference for a compatriot to do so as a “matter of identity”.
“At the end of the day, our five world titles were won with national coaches, and to this day no foreign coach has won a World Cup with another country,” Rivaldo pointed out.
That being said, Brazil opting for a foreigner was “inevitable” because of “recent results and pressure from the press and fans”.
“At least they chose one of the best: [Ancelotti], a successful coach under whose orders I had the privilege of being. He has won in all the clubs he has managed and, although there is little time left until the World Cup, he has the conditions to do a great job,” Rivaldo stated.
“Ancelotti can form a strong and balanced team, uniting the best of European and Brazilian football. With support and time to observe the national scenario, he can lead Brazil to the long-dreamed sixth championship. I wish him luck in this great challenge,” the former number 11 signed off.
FC Barcelona and Real Madrid harmony must be struck by Ancelotti
Of course when working for Brazil, Ancelotti will have to form a strong relationship with his past FC Barcelona rival Raphinha. Simultaneously, it goes without saying that Madrid stars such as Vinicius, Rodrygo, Endrick and Eder Militao have strong chances of featuring in his primary plans.
