Ancelotti, at a World Cup for the first time: “It is a very beautiful moment in my history”
This Saturday, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Carlo Ancelotti will experience the most eagerly awaited moment of his legendary career: making his debut at a World Cup in charge of Brazil. The quest for the sixth star begins here.
He has won five Champions Leagues. He has been champion in Italy, England, France, Germany and Spain. He has managed the best players in the world and conquered every stage club football could offer him. But there is one arena Carlo Ancelotti had never stepped onto: a World Cup. This Saturday, against Morocco at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, Carletto closes that unfinished chapter. And he does so in the only way he knows: with the composure of a man who has spent a lifetime preparing for this moment.
The coach himself put into words what he feels ahead of this historic occasion: «It is a new and special experience. The responsibility and honour of representing the country of football. The most decorated national team in the world. Responsibility and honour. I want to enjoy this moment with joy and happiness, because it is a very beautiful moment in my history».
The opponent and the challenge
The first hurdle is Morocco, the revelation of the last World Cup, who arrive at MetLife Stadium depleted but with players of enormous reputation such as Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Díaz and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Ancelotti is clear: «Morocco first, which is the most difficult game, but we have two other opponents. We have to have confidence».
Carletto, the only manager in history to have won five Champions Leagues and champion of the five major European leagues, took charge a year ago of a five-time world champion side under pressure for not having lifted the sport’s greatest trophy since 2002. The mission is as great as the man leading it.
A Canarinha ready to shine
The Brazilian flair is in the DNA. The Italian discipline is in the work, hard work. That is the blend Ancelotti has built over a year in charge of the Canarinha. A team with the magic of Vinícius Jr. and Raphinha in attack, the leadership of Marquinhos in defence and the solidity of Alisson between the posts. A squad that believes in its coach and takes to the field with one single idea: to win.
The quest for the sixth star begins this Saturday. And Carletto, at last, at a World Cup.
