They prepare for defensive shake-up in a friendly with Senegal at Arsenal\u2019s Emirates Stadium
\n LONDON
\nCarlo Ancelotti may still be wrestling with Portuguese but the Italian is increasingly comfortable in his role as Brazil coach as he prepares to field an experimental defensive lineup in a friendly with Senegal at Arsenal\u2019s Emirates Stadium on Saturday.
\nNearly six months into his tenure, the ex-Real Madrid boss is adapting to a radically different routine from his club days, swapping daily training sessions for more periodic work as he builds towards the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico and the U.S.
\nThe 3-2 defeat by Japan last month served as a wake-up call for Ancelotti, whose side prior to the Japanese fight-back in Tokyo had conceded one goal in his first five matches.
\nThat defensive collapse when leading 2-0 at halftime has prompted tactical soul-searching, with Real Madrid centre-back Eder Militao set to start at right-back against Senegal as the coach continues to search for reliable full-backs.
\nSolid defence helps quality players
\n\u201cThe defence was a key part in Brazil\u2019s last (World Cup) victories,\u201d Ancelotti said, drawing inspiration from the country\u2019s 1994 and 2002 World Cup triumphs.
\n\u201c(A) team with fantastic individuality, who enjoyed the game but knew how not to get exposed … I remember 1994, a team with two defensive midfielders, very tight at the back and with Bebeto and Romario (up front) to make the difference.
\n\u201cThat\u2019s what I think for the World Cup. A solid defence helps quality players make the difference.
\n\u201cMilitao has a different profile from other right-backs. I\u2019m going to ask for something different in terms of quality and style of play,\u201d he added.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s an option we can use in the World Cup to give the team more solidity at the back, but we conceded three goals against Japan, we\u2019ve assessed our mistakes and we\u2019ll try to improve in that area to play a good game.\u201d
\nThe adjustment to international football has required patience from a coach accustomed to daily interaction with his players.
\n\u201cFor me, it\u2019s a good experience. When I arrived, it was to prepare for the two World Cup qualifiers (against Ecuador and Paraguay), and then I had some adjustments to make,\u201d he said, with a 1-0 win over Paraguay clinching a place at the finals.
\n\u201cI\u2019m not used to working from time to time. I used to work every day, and now it\u2019s different. The work of scouting players was the most difficult to adapt to but I\u2019m enjoying (it).\u201d
\nAncelotti settled in Rio
\nDespite the challenges, Ancelotti appears energised by his new environment at his new home in Rio de Janeiro.
\n\u201cIt\u2019s very good for me, it\u2019s a different job and one of observation, which has been very good. I have the opportunity to work in a very good environment, get to know another country. Brazil is fantastic and the reception has been spectacular.\u201d
\nSaturday\u2019s match presents a curious historical footnote \u2013 Senegal are one of only two teams Brazil have faced but never beaten, alongside Norway.
\nThe Selecao\u2019s record against the African nation stands at a draw in 2019 and defeat in 2023, meaning Ancelotti\u2019s seventh game in charge offers a chance to settle unfinished business.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
They prepare for defensive shake-up in a friendly with Senegal at Arsenal\u2019s Emirates Stadium LONDON Carlo Ancelotti may still be wrestling with Portuguese but the Italian is increasingly comfortable in his role as Brazil coach as he prepares to field an experimental defensive lineup in a friendly with Senegal at Arsenal\u2019s Emirates Stadium on Saturday. […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":514636,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-514627","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sports"},"yoast_head":"\n