Carlo Ancelotti says Casemiro will be ‘helping’ youngsters like Estevao with his ‘experience, knowledge and leadership’ after recalling the midfielder to the Brazilian national team.
The new Brazil head coach arrived in Rio de Janeiro and spoke to the media for the first time on Monday after bringing an end to his second spell in charge of Real Madrid.
The first foreign manager to lead Brazil, Ancelotti’s mission is simple: steer the nation to a sixth World Cup at next year’s eagerly anticipated tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States.
Two South American qualifiers await over the next fortnight against Ecuador and Paraguay and there were some intriguing calls in Ancelotti’s opening squad, with Manchester United’s Casemiro recalled for the first time in a year.
However, there was no place for former captain Neymar, Brazil’s all-time record goalscorer, who is still yet to work his way back to fitness from a hamstring injury.
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Elsewhere in the Italian’s 25-man party, Antony was rewarded for his resurgent form on loan at Real Betis, while Richarlison returned following Tottenham’s Europa League triumph.
‘I have a big job ahead of me. I’m delighted, the challenge is great,’ Ancelotti told reporters at a press conference.
Ancelotti’s first squad as Brazil head coach
Goalkeepers: Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al-Nassr), Hugo Souza (Corinthians)
Defenders: Alex Sandro, Danilo, Leo Ortiz, Wesley (all Flamengo), Alexsandro (Lille), Lucas Beraldo, Marquinhos (both Paris Saint-Germain), Carlos Augusto (Inter Milan), Vanderson (Monaco)
Midfielders: Andreas Pereira (Fulham), Andrey Santos (Strasbourg), Bruno Guimaraes (Newcastle), Casemiro (Manchester United), Ederson (Atalanta), Gerson (Flamengo)
Forwards: Antony (Real Betis), Estevao (Palmeiras/Chelsea), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Matheus Cunha (Wolves), Raphinha (Barcelona), Richarlison (Tottenham), Vinicius Jr (Real Madrid)
‘I’ve always had a special connection with this team.
‘We’re going to work to make Brazil champions again.
‘I’m honoured and proud to lead the best team in the world.’
Ancelotti had plans to welcome Casemiro back into the fold as soon as it became clear he would be taking over as head coach, with the 65-year-old keen to add greater experience to the squad.
Casemiro was named Brazil captain in March 2023, only to be dropped for his country’s 2024 Copa America campaign after a spell of poor form at Old Trafford.
On Casemiro’s return, Ancelotti explained: ‘He is here because he deserves to be here due to his qualities.
‘Among those qualities are experience, knowledge, and leadership.’
The 33-year-old United midfielder – capped 75 times by Brazil – will act as a mentor to Estevao, 18, who joins Chelsea from Palmeiras later this summer.
‘Estevao is here because he has quality. Naturally, the connection with young players brings enthusiasm, motivation, and desire,’ Ancelotti added.
‘Experience brings knowledge, reading of situations and leadership. In a team, all of this has to come together.
‘Estevao can help Casemiro with his enthusiasm. Casemiro can help Estevao with attitude and commitment. It’s always a matter of connection.’
Ancelotti takes over the reins from Dorival Junior, who was relieved of his duties following Brazil’s 4-1 defeat at the hands of bitter rivals in Argentina back in March.
The Selecao sit fourth in World Cup qualifying with four matches remaining of the campaign.
The top six nations secure automatic qualification to next year’s showpiece event, with one inter-confederation play-off slot are available for CONMEBOL teams.
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