‘NEVER A FRIENDLY GAME’ — ANCELOTTI AHEAD OF INDIA MATCH
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By ‘Balogun Ibrahim
Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti has stressed that the five-time world champions will approach their upcoming friendly against India with full seriousness, saying there is “never a friendly game” for the national team.
Brazil, currently ranked fifth in the FIFA rankings and featuring stars such as Vinicius Junior, will take on India in Kolkata on October 3. It will mark the first senior men’s international appearance by Brazil in the country, where football enjoys a strong following despite cricket’s dominance.
The fixture is expected to give Indian fans a rare chance to watch one of the world’s most decorated football nations on home soil.
“Brazil has supporters in every corner of the world,” Ancelotti was quoted as saying by 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.”
Although officially classified as a friendly, the experienced Italian coach insisted his team would not take the encounter lightly.
“It’s a preparatory game, a friendly, but for us, there is never a friendly game,” the 67-year-old said.
India are ranked 138th in the world and have never qualified for the FIFA World Cup, although the sport remains highly popular, particularly in Kolkata and Kochi.
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Ancelotti said the trip would also allow Brazil to experience a different football culture and learn more about India’s style of play.
“We have to see other nations, other cultures. We are used to playing friendlies with different styles,” he said.
“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.”
The October 3 fixture will be the first time a full-strength Brazilian senior men’s team has played in India.
Brazil’s visit comes after the team plays two friendly matches in Australia. The country has also welcomed Brazilian football icon Pelé, who visited India in 1977 and 2015.
Ancelotti, one of football’s most successful managers, has won a record five UEFA Champions League titles as a coach.
Brazil, meanwhile, are looking to end a long wait for another World Cup triumph, having last won the tournament in 2002. Their most recent campaign ended with a round-of-16 exit.
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