Latest news with #CarloAncelotti
Euronews
10 hours ago
- Sport
- Euronews
Carlo Ancelotti: Can he lead Brazil to World Cup glory?
With 31 major medals won as a coach - including five Champions League titles - Carlo Ancelotti is the most successful club manager in the history of the sport. The 65-year-old has taken on a new challenge as the head coach of the Brazilian national team. Can Ancelotti lead 'La Seleção' back to their former glories? ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ ㅤ
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Davide Ancelotti 'on brink' of accepting Rangers next manager job as boss hunt reaches endgame
Davide Ancelotti is reportedly 'close to committing' to becoming the next manager of Rangers. The news comes just 24 hours after the 35-year-old posted an emotional farewell at Real Madrid ahead of his final game at the Spanish giants. Advertisement Rangers are looking to appoint their 20th permanent club manager to lead them into a new era with the 49ers on the verge of completing a takeover at Ibrox. READ MORE: Davide Ancelotti already knows Rangers number one priority as Ibrox club told what not to ask him READ MORE: Champions League seeding scenarios for Celtic and Rangers and the crunch games that will determine their fate Ancelotti was red-hot favourite when news of Rangers' interest emerged recently. However, it cooled after claims the Los Blancos No. 2 wanted to follow legendary dad Carlo to manage Brazil at the World Cup. But Ibrox sources shot that down, claiming he was still keen to go out on his first solo managerial journey. He has been with his dad Carlo since his time at Bayern Munich in 2016 and has been by his side at Napoli, Everton and Real Madrid. Advertisement It is thought Ancelotti will still assist his dad for two of Brazil's games next month against Ecuador (June 6) and Paraguay (June 10). Carlo Ancelotti (L), head coach of Real Madrid CF, with son Davide Ancelotti -Credit:LightRocket via Getty Images But after that Radio Marca report: 'Davide Ancelotti is close to committing to Glasgow Rangers for next season.' Steven Gerrard, Russell Martin and Marco Rose have all been linked with the post but the boss hunt could finally be reaching a conclusion. Follow Record Sport on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram for all of the up-to-the minute breaking news, video and audio on the SPFL, the Scotland national team and beyond. You can get all the news you need on our dedicated Rangers and Celtic pages, and sign up to our newsletters to make sure you never miss a beat throughout the season. Advertisement We're also WhatsApp where we bring all the latest breaking news and transfer gossip directly to you phone. Join our Rangers community here and our Celtic community here. Tune in to Hotline Live every Sunday to Thursday and have your say on the biggest issues in Scottish football and listen to Record Sport's newest podcast, Game On, every Friday for your sporting fix, all in bitesize chunks.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Reviewing Carlo Ancelotti's First Two Matches as Brazil Manager
The legendary Italian coach is bringing order, discipline, and quiet confidence to a Brazil side that has recently struggled to live up to its rich history. With his first two matches under his belt, Carlo Ancelotti isn't just adjusting to South American football — he's laying the foundation for a more balanced and battle-ready Brazil. We revisit Brazil's first steps under Ancelotti with tactical analyst and YouTuber Filippo Silva, aka Tactical Manager. Carlo Ancelotti's debut as Brazil's manager was anything but smooth sailing. Facing Ecuador in the hostile setting of Guayaquil, Ancelotti went with a 4-3-3 setup. The result? A hard-fought 0-0 draw that showed just how challenging CONMEBOL qualifiers can be, especially for a coach still learning the rhythms of South American football. With limited time to implement his ideas, there were few takeaways beyond the grit and shape the squad displayed. Still, there were signs of Ancelotti's intentions. The return of Casemiro after a two-year absence brought stability to the midfield. Alisson, Marquinhos, Vinícius Júnior, and Richarlison — key figures Ancelotti has worked with or played against in Europe — formed the spine of this early iteration of his Brazil. The familiarity clearly helps as the new coach tries to mold a team that blends talent with structure. Advertisement Brazil's second game, a home fixture against Paraguay, offered a clearer look at the direction Ancelotti wants to take. Brazil was dominant throughout, outshooting Paraguay 11-5 and controlling 75% of possession. The lineup was more fluid, with Gabriel Martinelli and Raphinha added to inject pace and unpredictability. It was a slim 1-0 win, but one that sealed World Cup qualification and gave Ancelotti his first taste of victory in yellow and green. 'I'm very happy with today's result,' said Vinicius, who scored the winner, after the match. 'We needed to win at home for our fans too and qualify for the World Cup, which was our goal. 'Now [Ancelotti] will have more time to work, to see what he can improve. Today wasn't one of our best games, but the important thing in qualifying is to win and prepare well for the World Cup.' A Much-Needed Tactical Shift According to Filippo Silva, better known under his moniker Tactical Manager, what stood out in Ancelotti's early games wasn't flair, it was focus. Advertisement 'I liked the fact that the team had a much better defense, more defensive solidity,' Silva said. 'The team was not defending well under Dorival Júnior. In these two games Brazil was very solid with Marquinhos and Alexsandro Ribeiro as the center backs, and the return of Casemiro helps. This was the first window where Brazil got two clean sheets.' That stability is no accident. Ancelotti is known for simplifying roles and making teams harder to beat. For a Brazil side that has too often looked disjointed and chaotic in recent years, his steady hand could be exactly what it needs. 'Brazil played much more like a team,' Silva added. 'It wasn't pretty, both were tough opponents as Paraguay was undefeated for various games and Ecuador barely concedes goals. Brazil finally functioned as a team.' Breaking the Taboo: A Foreign Fix for a Local ProblemAdvertisement Ancelotti's hiring represents a break from tradition. Brazil may have a lot of playing talent but their coaching at the professional level, locally, has fallen behind considerably. Clubs cycle through managers at a frantic pace, rarely giving anyone time to build a real project. Many of the best-performing coaches in Brazil's domestic leagues — like Abel Ferreira and Leonardo Jardim — aren't even Brazilian. Ferreira has been the best coach in the country for the last five years with Palmieras. The Portuguese manager has won 10 titles including two Copa Libertadores. Newcomer Leonardo Jardim, also from Portugal, has his Cruzeiro side tied for first place, but Brazilian soccer isn't a place for long term plans and it's not a stretch to see a head coach having over 10 jobs in less than 15 years. It has also become a carousel of coaches jumping and being fired from club to club, which has hurt the head coaching ranks in Brazil heavily as few coaches ever have time to fully flesh out their identities. Enter Ancelotti, a man who not only brings elite-level experience but also has worked directly with Brazil's top stars at the club level. That deep familiarity is a major advantage. Unlike coaches unfamiliar with Brazil's player pool or culture, Ancelotti steps in already knowing how to manage egos, build trust, and get the most out of players like Vinícius Júnior and Casemiro. Advertisement For a national team drowning in short-term fixes and tactical confusion, Ancelotti offers clarity. His approach isn't about flashy innovation, it's about building a team that understands its roles, plays to its strengths, and competes with purpose. If Brazil wants to reclaim its spot among the world's elite, it needs more than talent — it needs direction. Reclaiming the Spirit of Jogo Bonito, the Right WayThe romantic ideal of Brazil's jogo bonito may be fading, but Ancelotti could help revive it, and not in the way many expect. Brazilian players now leave for Europe younger than ever, learning to operate in rigid, tactical systems. The iconic flair remains, but it's been shaped by the demands of modern football. Advertisement Ancelotti has a history of creating balanced teams that both entertain and win. His Milan sides were masterclasses in harmony, and his Real Madrid squads have always been deadly efficient without sacrificing flair. That's the blueprint Brazil needs. A team that can be disciplined without being dull. Creative without being chaotic. Above all, Ancelotti knows when to loosen the reins and when to tighten them. In a football culture often torn between freedom and function, he might be the rare coach who can offer both. Looking Ahead: A New Core Takes ShapeWith World Cup qualification secured, attention turns to squad building. Silva sees several players already rising in Ancelotti's estimation. Advertisement 'Alexsandro Ribeiro, his stock went up, he could be a starter on the national team,' Silva said. 'Matheus Cunha I thought he played very well… and for what it's worth, Vinícius Júnior, he wasn't outstanding, but we started to see a little bit of a better version of him. If he can consistently play well like he did against Paraguay, he can become 'the man' for the national team.' Vinícius Júnior: Unlocking the Superstar There may be no player more vital to Ancelotti's Brazil than Vinícius Júnior. The 24-year-old has dazzled at Real Madrid, but his national team numbers — just seven goals in 41 caps — still fall short. Vini also famously struggled in his first few years in Madrid, but took off once Ancelotti returned to the club in 2021. If anyone can help the prodigious winger bridge the gap between his play for club and country, it's the man who helped turn him into one of the world's deadliest players. Advertisement Vinícius thrives on space, chaos, and one-on-one battles. He brings energy, unpredictability, and now, thanks to Ancelotti, more polish and consistency. He's already out of the gates strong under Ancelotti with one goal in two games — a small but meaningful step. While some purists may grumble about a foreign coach leading Brazil, even the most die-hard traditionalists can't deny that the team needed help. And it's getting it from one of the most respected winners in football history. Ancelotti may not sip caipirinhas or dance samba, but he understands something that Brazil desperately needs: how to win with style, but never at the cost of structure.
The Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Real Madrid vs Al Hilal predictions, odds and betting tips
REAL MADRID begin their quest for a record sixth FIFA Club World Cup title on Wednesday, when they face Al Hilal at the Hard Rock Stadium. It will be a fresh start for both sides, with Xabi Alonso making his debut as Real Madrid manager, and Simone Inzaghi taking charge of Al Hilal for the first time. 🔥 Real Madrid vs Al Hilal betting tips Real Madrid vs Al Hilal odds Find the latest football betting odds for Real Madrid vs Al Hilal here. Our odds are provided by our recommended football betting sites and are subject to change. Real Madrid vs Al Hilal predictions A new era is underway at the Santiago Bernabéu. After a disappointing domestic season, Carlo Ancelotti departed to take charge of Brazil, prompting Real Madrid to appoint former midfield maestro Xabi Alonso as their new head coach. Fresh from an impressive spell at Bayer Leverkusen, Alonso will be eager to make a strong early impression. A confident showing at the Club World Cup would be the perfect springboard for his tenure. Madrid's opening test comes against Al-Hilal, a side packed with quality and ambition. Backed by significant Saudi investment and featuring a host of international stars, Simone Inzaghi's men aren't just here to make up the numbers in Group F. Runners-up in the 2023 edition, they'll feel well placed to push for a Round of 16 berth at the very least. The meeting with Madrid is something of a free hit for Al-Hilal - and also presents an opportunity to make a statement. Realistically, their qualification hopes will hinge on the fixtures against Pachuca and RB Salzburg. But, a competitive display against Los Blancos would send out a strong message to the rest of the group. Bookmakers have installed Real Madrid as overwhelming favourites to progress. Alonso's side are priced at 1/6 to win the group and 1/25 to qualify for the knockout rounds. Real were also the early frontrunners to win the competition outright. PSG have since overtaken them in the betting, following their emphatic 4-0 win over Atlético on Sunday. Behind Madrid, the group looks far more competitive. Al-Hilal are second favourites at 8/1 to win Group F, followed by RB Salzburg at 9/1, and Pachuca at 20/1. For a top-two finish, both Al-Hilal and Salzburg are 5/4, with Pachuca at 5/2. Real Madrid vs Al Hilal betting tips As expected, Real Madrid are heavy favourites to win their opening Group F fixture. But with this being Xabi Alonso's first match in charge, Simone Inzaghi and his Al-Hilal team will look to catch the Spanish superstars off guard. Our match betting tips follow: Real Madrid to win and Both teams to score Real Madrid are heavily favoured at 1/4 to kick off their FIFA Club World Cup campaign with a win. But at those odds, there's little value in backing Jude Bellingham and co in the 90 minute market. When these sides met in the 2022 final (played in February 2023), the game produced a remarkable eight goals, with Madrid running out 5-3 winners in what was an incredibly open contest. While another goal-fest seems unlikely, both teams finding the net feels like a strong possibility. Backing BTTS (Both Teams to Score) with a Madrid win offers much better value at 29/20. Alternatively, you could opt for Real Madrid to win with over 2.5 goals, but at just 3/5, the return isn't as attractive. Trent Alexander-Arnold to score or assist With several injuries in the Real Madrid squad, new signings Dean Huijsen and Trent Alexander-Arnold could get some game time on Wednesday night. Of the two, Trent stands out as a dead-ball specialist and could be worth backing to be involved in a goal. While Real Madrid boast plenty of established stars who typically take set pieces, this match looks like a gentle introduction to the tournament. It wouldn't be surprising if Alonso gives Alexander-Arnold the nod to try his luck from free kicks around the box. Additionally, with the possibility of Trent also taking corners, backing him to score or assist makes more sense. Vinicius Junior to score anytime It's highly unlikely that Xabi Alonso will make any changes to his front three of Rodrygo, Vinícius Jr., and Kylian Mbappé. Of the trio, Mbappé is the most likely to score. But at odds of just 1/2 to add to his impressive 43-goal tally across all competitions this season, the value is limited. Instead, Vinícius Jr. stands out at much more appealing odds of 11/10. The Brazilian also scored twice when these sides met in the 2022 Club World Cup final, making him a far more tempting option to find the net against the Saudis. 📺 How to watch Real Madrid vs Al Hilal Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida. Date and time: Wednesday 18th June, 8pm BST. How to watch: DAZN and Channel 5. WATCH EVERY MATCH OF THE CLUB WORLD CUP 2025 LIVE ON DAZN About the author Craig Mahood Craig Mahood is an expert in sports betting and online casinos and has worked with the company since 2020. He joined the Betting & Gaming team at The Sun in June 2022 and works closely with the leading bookmakers and online gaming companies to provide content on all areas of sports betting and gaming. He previously worked as a Digital Sports Reporter at the Scottish Sun, covering Scottish football with particular focus on Celtic and Rangers, As well as football, he has covered horse racing, boxing, darts, the Olympics and tennis for the Sun. Remember to gamble responsibly A responsible gambler is someone who: For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
New York Times
2 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Xabi Alonso's awkward start at Real Madrid: New hope, little time, big pressure
'Everything has had to be speeded up,' new Real Madrid coach Xabi Alonso said shortly after their arrival in the U.S. for this summer's Club World Cup. 'We've had little time to get to know each other and to train,' he added, speaking to Madrid's official TV channel on Sunday. 'We'll start to make a team, because we have three training sessions before the first game. We're coming here very motivated to have a good tournament, and to go as far as the final. Everybody is very positive, we're getting to know each other bit by bit.' Advertisement Alonso, 43, was only presented as Carlo Ancelotti's successor on May 27, and it wasn't until the start of last week that he took charge of his first Madrid training session. Today, he and his players' 'speeded up' preparation will be tested by high-spending Saudi Arabian side Al Hilal in both teams' opening Club World Cup group game in Miami, Florida. Madrid's idea is that Alonso's arrival from German side Bayer Leverkusen will begin a new cycle of success at the Bernabeu, with the Spanish giants having won only the lightly-regarded UEFA Super Cup so far this season after doing a La Liga/Champions League double 12 months ago. But this is a club where the immediate demands are always high — and the head coach tends to be the one who takes responsibility for any failures. The former Madrid and Spain midfielder's messaging has mirrored his characteristic conviction and charisma, but there's no getting away from the fact he is facing a tricky start — and not just because of the timing. Alonso took his first training session as Madrid coach on June 9, when he had just five senior players available (Lucas Vazquez, Fran Garcia, Dani Ceballos, Rodrygo and Raul Asencio). Antonio Rudiger, Dani Carvajal, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, Eduardo Camavinga and Endrick were also present to hear Alonso's first instructions to the group, but all are returning from injuries so could not take part in the physical aspects that day. It was only on Friday that those players who had played for their countries in Europe in this month's international window — including Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham and Aurelien Tchouameni — met the new boss face to face. That was also when new signings Trent Alexander-Arnold and Dean Huijsen first trained as Madrid players. Finally, on Sunday, those internationals — Vinicius Junior, Arda Guler and Andriy Lunin — whose matches were across North and South America joined up with the group at their base in Florida. 🔥 @TrentAA 🔥 — Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) June 17, 2025 That means Alonso has had only three proper training sessions to prepare, with an injury-depleted squad, before what looks like being the key game of a Group H schedule which also sees them play Pachuca of Mexico and Austria's Red Bull Salzburg. Al Hilal, title winners and then runners-up in the past two Saudi Pro League seasons and semi-finalists in the 2024-25 Asian Champions League, have a side full of expensive stars including Kalidou Koulibaly, Aleksandar Mitrovic, Sergej Milinkovic-Savic, Ruben Neves, Joao Cancelo and captain Salem Al-Dawsari, who has scored for Saudi Arabia at two World Cups. They themselves have a brand-new manager in Simone Inzaghi, fresh off steering Inter to a second Champions League final in three seasons. Advertisement It looks very likely that Alexander-Arnold and Huijsen will make their Madrid debuts at Hard Rock Stadium tonight, in a back four alongside youngster Asensio and backup left-back Fran — the only other two fully-fit defenders in the squad right now. Of those on the way back to health, Rudiger is most likely to return during the group phase, with David Alaba also potentially becoming available to Alonso depending on how far in the tournament Madrid go. No risks are being taken with Carvajal and Militao as they deal with serious knee injuries that have kept them out since October and November respectively. Alonso will have many more options in midfield and attack — and it will be fascinating to see how existing stars Mbappe, Bellingham, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo fit into his plans. How/if he decides to use Luka Modric, 39, and 33-year-old Vazquez — team-mates of his at Madrid who are leaving the club once the tournament ends — will also be interesting. Madrid did also complete a deal for 17-year-old midfielder Franco Mastantuono last week after meeting his €45million (£38.4m/$52.1m) release clause at Argentina's River Plate, but he is not joining them until August 14 — the day he turns 18. Negotiations with Benfica over left-back Alvaro Carreras have not yet been completed. So Mastantuono and Carreras can play at the Club World Cup, just for their current clubs — indeed, the latter started Benfica's opening match against Boca Juniors on Monday. Depending on how the three teams progress, they could line up against Madrid in the knockout stages. All clubs involved are dealing with novel complexities in this revamped tournament, with its new place in the calendar. But the situation is particularly awkward for Alonso, given all the other challenges involved as he settles into such a pressurised and high-profile job. In their second spell under Ancelotti, Madrid became a counter-attacking team, often sitting deep and looking to use the pace of their forwards on the break. So far in his coaching career, with Real Sociedad B and Leverkusen, Alonso has favoured a more modern style, seeking to control games through high pressing and orchestrated possession moves. 'I've an idea of how I want us to play, but not necessarily the system we'll use,' he told reporters at his Madrid presentation. Alonso's primary message that day seemed to be that his team would play with a new energy and purpose, looking to lift Madrid supporters after a disappointing domestic and European season. 'I want the team to ignite the fans, to make them excited and proud of the team they see on the pitch,' he said. Advertisement Rivals Barcelona beat Madrid to the Copa del Rey, La Liga and Spanish Supercopa titles over 2024-25. Hansi Flick's side also won all four of their meetings across those competitions by an aggregate score of 16-7. They also went further than them in the Champions League, reaching the last four while Madrid lost 5-1 on aggregate against Arsenal in the quarter-finals. Alonso's return to the club is seen at the Bernabeu as part of moving on quickly from those disappointments. When Ancelotti's drawn-out exit to become manager of the Brazil national team was finally confirmed, appointing director of football Santi Solari as interim coach for the Club World Cup was considered. Alonso was aware of the difficulty of going into a tournament at such short notice, but the club hierarchy insisted that he accept the challenge. Madrid moving so rapidly in the transfer market this summer — including paying Liverpool €10m so Alexander-Arnold could join in time to play in this tournament, rather than wait for his contract to expire midway through the round of 16 — underlines its importance to them. Even before it was expanded to this new four-yearly format, the Bernabeu hierarchy were always proud of being declared world champions, as Madrid have been six times since 2014 in the competition's smaller annual version (of which they are the current holders). FIFA hugely increasing the prize money — the winners now receive $125m (£92m) — makes it even more attractive. 'You'll quickly understand what Real Madrid stands for,' Perez said to Alexander-Arnold at the Englishman's official presentation last week. 'Every trophy is a push forward to win the next one. And the next one is the Club World Cup.' To help with this challenge, Alonso will have a larger backroom team than Ancelotti was allowed. Long-serving goalkeeping coach Luis Llopis is staying, and Alonso's long-time No 2 Sebas Parrilla also knows Madrid well. But most of the new staff will need to adapt quickly to the unique challenges and pressures of working at Valdebebas, the club's training complex. Fitness coach Ismael Camenforte-Lopez and analyst Alberto Encinas both have backgrounds at Barcelona's La Masia youth academy, so will bring different ideas to Madrid. Former Mexican FA director of performance Javier Arnaiz and data analyst Ismael Fernandez are also joining to try to help improve the injury record. The situation of veteran fitness coach Antonio Pintus, whose methods were questioned as all the injuries struck this season, remains unresolved. Madrid's hierarchy wants the 62-year-old to stay, as Perez likes his old-style way of working. How that fits with Alonso's fresh, modern approach remains to be seen. Advertisement Further challenges for Alonso's accelerated preparations have been the intense heat at their base in Palm Beach, a short distance north of Miami, this week, as well as the basic nature of their FIFA-organised training centre in The Gardens North County District Park. According to Spanish newspaper Marca, Madrid employees had to scramble to install temporary dressing rooms, air-conditioned tents, ice baths for recovery and mobile showers in time for the squad's arrival. There have been doubts about whether galacticos Mbappe, Bellingham and Vinicius Jr will be motivated about a potential extra month of games at the end of what has been a long, draining season. Group opponents Al Hilal, Pachuca and Salzburg will all hope to take advantage of any reluctance and shock Madrid on such a big stage. The morale boost of Alonso's arrival makes that seem much less likely to happen, though. A source close to one Madrid player, who like all consulted for this article requested anonymity to be able to speak openly, told The Athletic this week that 'there's a lot of optimism and motivation, the positive message from the new 'mister' (manager) has gone down well'. Everyone at Madrid will be hoping that is the case, and that the 'fresh start' brought by Alonso, plus the arrivals of Alexander-Arnold and Huijsen, can revitalise the team after a downbeat few months.
