Ancelotti Says Brazil Will Take India Match Seriously

Brazil's coach Carlo Ancelotti said the five-time world champions are serious about their friendly match against India next week. He emphasized that for them, there is "never a friendly game," as reported by the media on Wednesday.

Brazil, ranked fifth in the world and featuring stars like Vinicius Junior, will play India in Kolkata on October 3. This will be their first senior men's international match in a country where football is loved, even with cricket being the favorite sport.

Local fans will have a rare chance to watch one of the world's most famous teams play live.

“Brazil has supporters in every corner of the world,” Ancelotti told The Times of India.

“It’s a pleasure for us to play in India, not just for the Brazilian supporters, but also those in India.”

Even though the match is labeled as a friendly, Ancelotti stated that Brazil will treat it seriously.

“It’s a preparatory game, a friendly, but for us, there is never a friendly game,” said Ancelotti, who is 67 years old.

India is currently ranked 138th by FIFA and has never qualified for a World Cup. Still, football is very popular, especially in Kolkata and Kochi.

Ancelotti mentioned that the match would allow Brazil to experience a new football culture.

“We have to see other nations, other cultures. We are used to playing friendlies with different styles,” he said. Ancelotti took charge of the team last year.

“India will be exciting. It’s true that India does not have a good experience of playing world-class opponents, but it’s important for us to know how they play. I’ve never been to India. I am very excited to come to Kolkata.”

This match will mark the first time a full-strength Brazilian men’s national team plays in India.

Brazilian football legend Pele visited India in 1977 and 2015.

The Brazilian team will arrive in India after playing two friendly matches in Australia.

Ancelotti is one of the most successful managers in football history. He has won five Champions League titles as a coach.

Brazil aims to end their long wait for a World Cup trophy, having last won it in 2002. Their last World Cup campaign ended in the round of 16.