Kolkata: Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti stated on Friday that his squad holds full "respect" for India and is anticipating an entertaining encounter when the two sides meet on Saturday.

The renowned Italian manager, a five-time Champions League winner, emphasised that the fixture should be regarded as an opportunity rather than a rigorous test for his players.

Ancelotti, who assumed the role of Brazil head coach in May 2025 ahead of their World Cup campaign, expressed delight at visiting India and voiced hope that the match would allow his side to exhibit their capabilities.

“I hope it will be an entertaining game. We’re happy to be here and to show our quality,” Ancelotti said.

Asked about his trademark composure, the 67-year-old manager noted that patience remains an essential attribute for anyone leading a side.

“It’s part of my character. I’m usually patient in football, and as a manager, I think patience is an important quality,” he remarked.

Addressing whether the upcoming match constitutes a test for his squad, he clarified: “For the squad and all the players, it’s not a test or an opportunity to prove themselves. We are still defining the final squad for the match. It’s not a test, but an opportunity.”

Ancelotti stressed that Brazil maintains "full respect" for Indian football, noting their recent commendable 1-1 draw against Panama.

“We have respect for the quality of the Indian team. They played a good draw against Panama. We have full respect for our opponents,” he said.

The veteran coach also discussed the ongoing transition period for the national team, highlighting the importance of integrating several newcomers into the fold.

“It’s a pleasure to work with all of the new members. Not only them, but the whole squad. It has been a great moment, bringing them together, creating synergy and feeling the energy in the squad,” he noted.

When pressed to reveal his starting lineup for Saturday, Ancelotti gave a concise response: “No.”

The Italian manager further elaborated on the operational differences between managing a football club and leading a national team.

“Training at clubs and training with a national team is very different. You have to select the right players. At a club, you have more time to do the right things. It is special to train the national team of Brazil,” he explained.

Ancelotti outlined the core principles he wants to instil as permanent fixtures of Brazil's tactical and cultural identity.

“Commitment, quality and happiness to play football. Quality is part of our culture. I would like the players to enjoy themselves, to play with happiness in every game. You want to play with joy,” he said.

For his latest squad selection following Brazil's disappointing 2026 World Cup campaign, where they suffered a pre-quarterfinal exit against Norway, Ancelotti has introduced a blend of youthful talent and seasoned campaigners.

While experienced figures like Vinicius Jr., Marquinhos, and Arsenal duo Gabriel Magalhaes and Bruno Guimaraes retain their places, significant changes have been implemented in goal. Brazil omitted their established World Cup goalkeeping trio of Alisson, Ederson, and Weverton, installing Corinthians' Hugo Souza as the primary choice, backed by Coritiba's Pedro Morisco and Cruzeiro's Otavio.

Defensive options have similarly been refreshed with the addition of Arthur Dias, Jair, Matheuzinho, and Mauro Junior alongside veterans Marquinhos and Magalhaes.

The Brazilian contingent arrived in India following a two-match tour of Australia that yielded a 1-1 draw and a 4-2 victory. Ancelotti affirmed that the fixtures in Australia and India serve as vital preparation.

“All these games in Australia and India are good preparation and a good opportunity to show what we can do,” he stated.

World Cup disappointment and shifting dynamics

Reflecting on Brazil's trophy drought since their 2002 triumph in Japan and South Korea, Ancelotti conceded that the team failed to perform at the required standard during the most recent global showcase.

“It’s true that we were not able to compete enough in the World Cup. It was a difficult period for us. It is motivation for a new generation of players to be able to compete at the highest level in the coming years,” he said.

Reiterating his philosophy, Ancelotti underscored that commitment, quality, and the intrinsic joy of playing must guide the squad's resurgence.

Asked why modern Brazilian teams have struggled to replicate the legacy of the 2002 generation, Ancelotti pointed to the broader evolution of the sport.

“It’s difficult. I can only answer for what happened in 2026. We had problems that we were not able to solve. Football has changed, and other teams have improved a lot,” he said.

“In my personal opinion, the talent Brazil was able to show in 2002 was big talent. Football has changed. There is more teamwork now,” he concluded.

PTI