Carlo Ancelotti has employed a former Premier League manager as one of his coaches for the Brazil national team.
Ancelotti, 66, became the first non-Brazilian to take charge of the national team after he stepped down as Real Madrid head coach following the 2024/25 campaign.
The Italian saw the five-time World Cup winners to a 0-0 draw against Ecuador in his first game in charge before guiding Brazil to a 1-0 win over Paraguay.
The Brazil job represents a new challenge and uncharted territory for the 66-year-old. Despite having managed elite clubs such as Juventus, AC Milan, and Chelsea, he has never been a national team head coach – although he did enjoy three years as Italy assistant coach between 1992 and 1995.
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And Ancelotti, who is contracted to Brazil until the summer of 2026, has one simple objective: to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
There’s no doubt that the Seleção have several world-class players in their ranks, with Barcelona’s Raphinha and Real Madrid’s Vinicius Junior the standout players.
Ancelotti is also surrounding himself with tried and tested coaches, but is without his usual right-hand man and son Davide, who is now Botafogo head coach.
Former Premier League manager and Ancelotti’s assistant during his time at Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich, Paul Clement will once again work alongside the Italian.
Clement, 53, has been without a coaching role since 2023 after leaving his role as Everton assistant during Frank Lampard’s time at the Merseyside club.
Footage has now emerged on social media showing Clement putting the Brazilian team through their pace ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Chile and Bolivia.
And fans were quick to react online.
One said: “Ex-Reading, Swansea City & Derby County manager Paul Clement coaching the Brazil squad is such a strange watch. “
Another added: “Not sure why it’s strange. He’s a world-class assistant coach with the CV to prove it.”
A third claimed: “An Englishman coaching Brazilians, incredible.”
Brazil squad for upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians).
Defenders: Alexsandro (Lille), Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Caio Henrique (Monaco), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Fabrizio Bruno (Cruzeiro), Gabriel (Arsenal), Marquinhos (PSG), Vanderson (Monaco), Wesley (Roma).
Midfielders: Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Joelinton (Newcastle), Lucas Paqueta (West Ham).
Forwards: Estevao (Chelsea), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Joao Pedro (Chelsea), Kaio Jorge (Cruzeiro), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphina (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham).
Topics: Carlo Ancelotti, Football, Premier League, Real Madrid, Brazil
Luke Davies