Brazil face Norway in their World Cup last 16 match on Sunday with Carlo Ancelotti and his Selecao side's style having been called into question by critics09:00, 04 Jul 2026Carlo Ancelotti has bit back at his critics - and insisted just one manager in history is more qualified than him to manage the biggest teams: Sir Alex Ferguson.‌Ancelotti has found himself under fire in the wake of Brazil's unconvincing win over Japan to reach the World Cup last 16. The five-time winners had to come from behind to triumph 2-1 in Houston, thanks to second half goals from Casemiro and Arsenal's Gabriel Martinelli.‌But the result still wasn't enough for some people to launch into Ancelotti on social media, accusing him of producing "stale" and "dangerous" football which risks Brazil being eliminated.‌Ancelotti has earned a reputation for being as cool as a cucumber. The Italian, who become known as 'The Don' during his time managing in Spain, loses his temper about as often as his sides lose games. But Ancelotti appeared rattled when asked about his ability to get the best out of a talented, but sometimes frustrating Brazilian squad.Get the latest World Cup news straight to your inbox by signing up to our Make Football Great Again newsletter now!Ancelotti, whose side face a crunch last 16 showdown with Norway in New York, said: "In Italy, they say that all men want to be coaches and all women architects.‌"I don't know if I understand football or not, but no one can judge me on this. The only thing that's certain is that I've prepared for over 1,400 matches."That may not be enough to understand football, but it's certainly a good amount of experience. Only one person has prepared more matches than me: Alex Ferguson, who has prepared for over 2,000."I take advice from everyone, but the only one who could really be the right person to give me advice is Alex Ferguson.‌"I am one hundred per cent sure I am not a genius, but at the same time, I am one hundred per cent sure I am not a fool."Ancelotti has warned Brazil to prepare for physical opponents, in the shape of Stale Slottenbak's Norwegians vikings.‌Not to mention the remarkable goalscoring talents of Erling Haaland, who has plundered five goals in three games, including the late winner to beat Ivory Coast, to keep hot on the heels of Lionel Messi in the thrilling race for the Golden Boot.Ancelotti, however, insists he is not obsessed with stopping Haaland, despite calling him "one of the best players in the world ".One of the biggest problems Ancelotti is having to deal with is from within, which is the growing frustration of Neymar. The Brazilian icon and record goalscorer has not started a game yet, despite returning to full fitness following almost three seasons out with serious injuries, including a torn ACL.‌Ancelotti admits Neymar is far from happy about his lack of game time, but is not kicking up a stink in the team camp, like some others might do.Ancelotti added: "He's not happy about it, but he is taking it very well. He is training very well."Ancelotti might have his doubters, but Brazil and Real Madrid striker Endrick is not one of them. In fact, Endrick reckons Ancelotti is so influential and powerful, it feels like some divine intervention from above is helping him.Article continues belowEndrick said: "I don't think there could have been a better fit than him. He's not afraid. He does what he thinks is right, and things just happen. It seems like God is watching over him, and he's inspired because everything Carlo does just works out."When the coach tells me to do something, I won't look back. I'll just do whatever he asks."Content cannot be displayed without consent