Brazilian legend Zico believes the Seleçao must hire Carlo Ancelotti as their new coach: ‘He knows players are more important than tactics.
The former Udinese star turns 70 today and released an interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Brazil were eliminated in the World Cup quarter-finals at the hands of Croatia and have been looking for a new coach since Tite was sacked at the end of 2022.
Real Madrid boss Ancelotti is the leading candidate for the job.
“Ancelotti would be ideal because everyone, including opponents, respects him,” said Zico.
“He knows football and is aware that players are more important than tactics. Young Brazilian players have developed with him in Madrid, Vini Jr. and Rodrygo, the future champions.”
The Italian tactician has never been to Rio de Janeiro.
“One more reason to come,” said Zico.
“I’ll host and show him the city so he’ll settle in quickly.”
Ancelotti is under contract with Real Madrid until June 2024 and has recently claimed that he is not considering leaving the Bernabeu before the end of his current deal.
Is Brazil’s loss against Italy in the 1982 World Cup the biggest regret in Zico’s career?
“No, you deserved to win that day because Enzo Bearzot’s Italy had great champions,” he admitted.
“In football, you win and lose and must accept the result. Despite that defeat, the 1982 Brazil is regarded as one of the best teams in history. Neither Italy won the World Cup in 1978, but they had a great team.”
Zico continued the interview by praising Pele: “He was the best, more than anyone else, Cruijff, Garrincha, Maradona…”
Zico played for two seasons at Udinese, from 1983 to 1985, scoring 30 goals in 54 appearances with the Bianconeri.
Who’s the best player today?
“Leo Messi because he’s been the most complete for many years. He deserved to win the World Cup even if Argentina were not the favourite.”