Diniz says the goal is not to form a base for Ancelotti in the Brazilian national team

Announced on Tuesday night (4) as coach of the national team for the next 12 months only, Fernando Diniz said in his first interview that he will base his squads “to win the next game”, and not necessarily to form a basis for the coach who will take over next, aiming for the 2026 World Cup. Carlo Ancelottifrom Real Madrid, is in agreement with the CBF to take over the national team from July next year.

“In principle, my intention is to call up a player to win the next game”, said Diniz, adding that as much as possible he will try to form a base.

In his first statements, Diniz stated that he takes on the selection in a “mixture of joy and honor”. He confirmed that his job “in principle” is for one year, leaving open the possibility of staying longer. “It has not yet been decided whether it includes the Copa America.”

The coach was asked several times about any ethical questions that may arise from dividing the role of national team and club coach. “Ethics has a lot to do with the people who are going to make the decisions,” said Diniz. “When I’m working for the CBF, I’m going to summon what’s best for the CBF, looking at Brazilian football as a whole.”

Diniz’s hiring was defined on Tuesday night. On the occasion, the coach was at the CBF headquarters to settle the last details. The deal had been in the works since last week.

Diniz signed a one-year contract, scheduled to end in June 2024. It is precisely the time needed to end Carlo Ancelotti’s bond with Real Madrid. The CBF has an agreement with the Italian for him to take over the Brazilian national team from then on, aiming for the 2026 World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Until then, Diniz will manage the national team, sharing his attentions with Fluminense, with whom he maintained his contract. The coach will have exclusive dedication to the national team as soon as he leaves the Rio de Janeiro club. Likewise, it is not ruled out that Ancelotti will take over Brazil before the second half of next year. This will depend, above all, on Real Madrid’s campaign in their competitions until then.