Carlo Ancelotti praised new Manchester United signing Matheus Cunha and Arsenal winger Gabriel Martinelli after recording his first victory as Brazil manager.
Brazil drew 0-0 with Ecuador in Ancelotti’s first game in charge but returned to winning ways on Wednesday with a 1-0 win over Paraguay.
Ancelotti was appointed as the new Brazil manager last month after leaving his role with Real Madrid.
His former Madrid player Vinicius Jr scored the only goal as Brazil beat Paraguay to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
New Manchester United signing Cunha was instrumental in the build-up to Brazil’s winner and Ancelotti praised the playmaker who has made a £62.5m switch from Wolves to Old Trafford.
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Ancelotti also hailed Cunha’s new United teammate Casemiro and Arsenal star Martinelli following Brazil’s victory.
‘The idea was to change the attack a bit,’ Ancelotti said. ‘Martinelli changed his position with Vinicius, and Cunha helped in ball possession in attack.
‘Cunha, Martinelli, Raphinha… the team worked in great harmony. The team played well, and that is why I am happy.
‘We have excellent wingers. We can play with three players in midfield. Today, Cunha was not a central striker; he was an attacking midfielder.
‘We benefited from the speed of Vinicius, Martinelli, and Raphinha to attack the wings, and Cunha played as a playmaker. It worked well.’
Ancelotti singled out Casemiro for praise when asked about his Brazil team keeping successive clean sheets.
Casemiro has endured a difficult spell at Manchester United but was recalled to the Brazil squad by his former Real Madrid manager Ancelotti.
The 33-year-old did enjoy a better second-half to the 2024-25 season but United are still believed to be ‘open’ to selling the Brazilian this summer.
‘I am Italian!’ Ancelotti said when asked about Brazil’s back-to-back clean sheets.
‘The team did not concede any goals thanks to their excellent defensive performance, and the midfield players made an extraordinary effort, like Casemiro. I am happy about that too.
Vinicius Jr reacts to Brazil win
‘We needed to win and qualify for the World Cup. Now the coach will have more time to work.
‘Of course today wasn’t one of our best performances, but the important thing is always to win. Now it’s time to celebrate qualifying.’
‘Casemiro is a safety for the team. His quality and leadership are very strong.
‘He is a leader, like Danilo, Marquinhos, and Alisson… not only because of his quality but also because of his behaviour.
‘But I want to mention everyone. They all did a good job. Everything went well.’
Ancelotti is now planning to spend some time at the upcoming Club World Cup where he will monitor several Brazilian players.
‘I have a long list of players from all over the world, in Brazil, Europe, and Saudi Arabia, about 70 players,’ he said.
‘We will have time to evaluate each one of them. All seventy of them are qualified for the World Cup. There is no final list of 25 or 26 players.
‘It has been fifteen wonderful days in every sense. The Brazilian people welcomed me wonderfully.
‘The atmosphere within the Brazilian Football Confederation is fantastic, like a family. The players’ performance was amazing. We achieved victory, and we are very happy.’
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