Carlo Ancelotti says he is close to signing a contract extension that would keep him as Brazil's head coach through 2030. The 66-year-old Italian, who took over in May last year, described the deal as "all sorted" and needing only his signature.
Ancelotti arrived in Brazil with five Champions League titles and league trophies from Europe's top five competitions, but he now faces a different kind of test: managing the national obsession that is the World Cup.
Brazil is joint-fourth favorite to win the tournament, alongside holders Argentina, behind Spain, France and England. The team will be without key players Rodrygo, Estevao and Eder Militao due to injury, and the country is waiting to see if Neymar will be included in the squad.
Ancelotti says moving from club football to national team management has brought more time for reflection, and he believes this could be his last job. "Going back to a club? I don't think so," he said.
The Italian's connection to Brazil dates back to his playing days at AS Roma, where he played alongside Brazilian icons Falcao and Toninho Cerezo. He was also an assistant coach for Italy when they lost the 1994 World Cup final to Brazil on penalties.
As he prepares to announce his final 26-man squad, Ancelotti acknowledges the emotional toll of cutting players. "When you win, what you feel isn't happiness, it's relief," he said. "And when you lose, it's real physical and mental suffering."
Ancelotti wants to create a calm and serious atmosphere in the squad, one capable of carrying the pressure of a nation that has not won the World Cup since 2002.