Cliff Notes – Ancelotti: Brazil need Vinícius Jr to show Real Madrid form

New Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti emphasised the need for Vinícius Júnior to regain his Real Madrid form, calling him a “fundamental player” for the national team.
Ancelotti plans to implement a balanced tactical approach, prioritising teamwork and defensive solidity over a singular team identity.
The coach praised young talent Estêvão, highlighting his potential impact on the future of the national team while stressing the importance of patience with emerging players.

Ancelotti: Brazil need Vinícius Jr. to show Real Madrid form

Brazil must help forward Vinícius Júnior rediscover the form he has displayed at Real Madrid, new national team coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Wednesday.

Ancelotti, who guided the Spanish giants to several titles alongside the Brazilian forward, including two Champions League triumphs and two LaLiga crowns, said that his unique ability to unsettle opposing defences made him a vital asset.

“I don’t know if he’s been at his best here, but he has time to do what he does at Real Madrid,” Ancelotti told reporters ahead of Brazil’s World Cup qualifying match against Ecuador on Thursday — his first match in charge of the national team.

“For us, he’s a fundamental player. We have to work to ensure he performs at his best here,” the manager added.

Vinícius made his World Cup debut in Qatar in 2022 and has been a regular during their qualifying campaign for the 2026 tournament. However, he has struggled for form with the national team, falling short of his usual standards at Real Madrid.

Regarding his tactical approach, Ancelotti stated that he aims to field a compact, balanced team.

Vinícius Júnior has struggled to reproduce his Real Madrid form for Brazil

“I don’t want a team with a clear identity. We have to defend well, whether it’s 4-3-3 or 4-4-2. We have to defend together and use creativity with the ball,” he said.

“Individual quality is not enough today; you have to combine it with attitude, drive and commitment.”

He didn’t reveal his starting lineup for his debut as coach, but he did have words of praise for 18-year-old Estêvão, who is leaving Palmeiras for Chelsea and has been tipped for a bright future with the national team.

“He’s got a special talent … he’s got character, he’s a good person, he’s humble and he seems fine to me, but with a young player we have to be patient and careful. He has the characteristics to be very important for the future of the national team,” the coach said.

Brazil are fourth in the standings for the South American World Cup qualifiers, while their opponents Ecuador are second, behind world champions Argentina. The top six qualify directly for the World Cup.

Brazil will host Paraguay in Sao Paulo next week and could secure an early spot at next year’s World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada.