Muller defends Carlo Ancelotti’s dismissal from the Brazilian team and points to Jorge Jesus or Guardiola as ideals By Thiago Lemos
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The Brazilian team did not meet fans’ expectations and was eliminated early from the 2026 World Cup, after a 2-1 defeat to Norway, in a game where Erling Haaland scored two decisive goals. The performance caused great frustration, raising questions about the team’s future.
Immediately after the elimination, speculation arose about Carlo Ancelotti remaining in charge. However, Rodrigo Caetano, executive of the Brazilian Football Confederation, was keen to ensure that the Italian coach will continue in his role and is already involved in planning for the cycle that will culminate in the 2030 World Cup.
Contrary to the CBF’s stance, several dissenting opinions came to light, especially from former players who argue for the current coach’s departure. Names like Pep Guardiola and Jorge Jesus were suggested as more suitable options to lead the team.
Former striker Muller comments on the possible change in technical command
In a recent appearance on the Mesa Redonda program, on Gazeta Esportiva, former player Muller expressed his conviction that the highest authority in Brazilian football should dismiss the Italian coach. He justified his position by stating that there are other highly qualified professionals available for the role.
Muller was emphatic in suggesting that the CBF should act decisively. “I, if I were the CBF, would send him away and hire either Jorge Jesus or Guardiola, since he wants to spend, he has money to spend, he pays the fine”, declared the former athlete.
Continuing his argument, he highlighted the qualities of the names he proposed. “They are younger, with the exception of Jorge Jesus. But Jorge Jesus knows Brazilian football, he is an excellent coach. Well, I would take Guardiola, Guardiola is unemployed”, he concluded, reinforcing the idea that there are strong alternatives.
The current situation of Ancelotti’s relationship with the CBF
Despite the strong pressure and criticism following the elimination from the World Cup, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) officially reaffirmed the contract of Carlo Ancelotti, who had his contract renewed in May to lead the team until the 2030 World Cup. This decision, maintained by the board despite the disappointing performance, implies an annual cost of around 10 million euros for the Italian coach, demonstrating the entity’s confidence in its long-term project.
