Carlo Ancelotti makes first major decision as Brazil manager hours after being given the job

Carlo Ancelotti has already made his first huge call as head coach of Brazil despite not undertaking the role until May 26.

Ancelotti, 65, will leave his post as Real Madrid head coach at the end of the season, having won 15 trophies with Los Blancos across two spells at the club.

And despite being at the most pressurised club in the world, he will not take time off and will be thrust into action as the head coach of Brazil.

The 65-year-old has already worked with several Seleção stars, including Endrick, Vinicius Jr, and Rodrygo, but Ancelotti has a decision to make regarding another ex-Los Blancos star who has not played for the national team since October 2023.

Manchester United central midfielder Casemiro, 33, who boasts 75 caps for his country, could be reintroduced to the fold, according to journalist Fabrizio Romano, who issued an update on Monday (May 12).

Romano wrote: “Carlo Ancelotti has already made initial plans to discuss Casemiro’s return as part of the Brazil squad.

“The relationship has always been excellent, and Carlo wants more leaders to be part of the squad, including Man United’s midfielder.”

BBC Sport’s South American football correspondent Tim Vickery also gave his take on Ancelotti’s appointment and explained how the midfield has “been one of the main positions of concern” in recent years.

"Vinicius Jr absolutely loves working with him. He will be delighted with this appointment," said Vickery via BBC Sport.

Casemiro could return to the Brazil squad (Credit:Getty)

"It's not just him, though. You could also see a return for Manchester United midfielder Casemiro to shore up their midfield - which has been one of the main positions of concern."

He added: “Ancelotti will act as a lightning rod for any criticism that side get, which will take the pressure off the players.

"There will be some in the coaching fraternity in Brazil who want him to fail, but the people who are least affected are the players."

Ancelotti will take charge of his first game as Brazil boss with a trip to Ecuador on June 4 before his side welcomes Paraguay just five days later. The five-time World Cup winners will round off their qualifying campaign with fixtures against Chile and Bolivia in September.