RIO DE JANEIRO: Carlo Ancelotti arrived in Brazil with five Champions League titles as a manager, league trophies from Europe’s big five competitions and a reputation for making elite dressing rooms breathe a little easier. One year on, he knows this job is something different: less club grind, more national obsession and perhaps his final gig. For now, the Italian is enjoying the rhythm of national team football and said extending his contract until 2030 was close. Ancelotti signed a one-year deal when he took over as Brazil manager last May but is set to carry on after the World Cup.

In an exclusive interview the Brazil coach talks about being in charge of ‘the most important national team’, how to get the best out of Vinícius Júnior and what he learned at…

Carlo Ancelotti calls on Brazil to harness Carnival's spirit for World Cup success