Carlo Ancelotti is planning to welcome Casemiro back into Brazil’s squad when he becomes head coach of the national team.
The Brazilian Football Confederation put an end to weeks of speculation today as it was confirmed that Ancelotti would officially take charge of the five-time world champions on May 26.
Dorival Junior was relieved of his duties following Brazil’s 4-1 defeat to bitter rivals Argentina in World Cup qualifying back in March and Vinicius Junior and Co have since been without a manager.
There had been 12 months remaining on Ancelotti’s contract with Real Madrid, but the Spanish champions have agreed to sanction the Italian’s exit a year early following a challenging season for the club.
Bayer Leverkusen boss Xabi Alonso is the overwhelming favourite to succeed Ancelotti at the Bernabeu having lifted five pieces of silverware with Los Blancos as a player.
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While Ancelotti still has three games left of his Madrid reign, it appears the 65-year-old already has one eye on his next job and which players he plans to build his squad around.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Ancelotti has made ‘initial plans’ to discuss Casemiro’s return to the fold.
The 33-year-old Manchester United midfielder was named Brazil captain in March 2023, but was subsequently dropped for his country’s 2024 Copa America campaign after a poor spell of form at Old Trafford.
It’s claimed Ancelotti has maintained an ‘excellent’ relationship with Casemiro from their time together at Madrid and is keen to bring more leaders and experience into the dressing room.
Casemiro made his senior debut for Brazil back in 2011 and has picked up 75 caps for the Selecao in that time.
However, Casemiro’s last appearance for his nation came way back in October 2023, when Brazil were defeated 2-0 by Uruguay in World Cup qualifying.
After a largely disappointing start to life at United, on the back of a high-profile £60million move, the former Madrid and Sao Paulo man has shown glimpses of returning to his best again in recent weeks.
During United’s Europa League semi-final win over Athletic Bilbao, Rio Ferdinand singled out Casemiro for special praise, applauding the ‘sensational’ Brazilian for ‘coming to the fore’.
‘I don’t think Casemiro has put a foot wrong. He’s been sensational. He has been so disciplined,’ Ferdinand said on TNT Sports’ coverage of the first leg.
‘People have been talking about getting rid of him, his legs have gone etcetera.
‘But I tell you what, he’s come to the fore when they have needed him.
‘He’s coaching this team through this and it’s a massive moment in the season for them.’
Ferdinand believes Casemiro’s return to form is partly down to Ruben Amorim playing the midfielder in a system that offers far greater ‘support’.
‘They’re not trying to play through him like a pivot where he’s got his back to things and he can pressed and lose the ball. That’s not his game,’ the ex-Manchester United and England defender added.
‘This makes it simpler for him but, also, they’re allowing big spaces around him where he would be exposed physically.
‘He’s got that support behind and communication.’
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