Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that the five-time world champions will approach their upcoming clash with India with maximum seriousness, declaring that there is “never a friendly game” for his team.
Brazil, currently ranked fifth in the FIFA world rankings, will face India in Kolkata on October 3 in what will be the first senior men’s international involving the full-strength Brazilian side on Indian soil.
The fixture is expected to attract huge attention in a country where football enjoys a passionate following, particularly in Kolkata and Kochi, despite cricket remaining the dominant sport.
Ancelotti said Brazil’s global following was one of the reasons the team was looking forward to visiting the country.
“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 the match is officially classified as a friendly, Ancelotti made it clear that his players will not treat the encounter lightly as they continue their preparations for future competitive assignments.
“It’s a preparatory game, a friendly, but for us, there is never a friendly game,” the 67-year-old coach said.
India are ranked 138th in the world and have never qualified for the FIFA World Cup. However, Ancelotti said the trip would give his squad an opportunity to experience a different football environment and learn more about the hosts.
“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 match will mark a significant moment for Indian football, with Brazil’s senior men’s national team set to make its first appearance in the country.
Brazilian football legend Pelé previously visited India in 1977 and 2015, helping to strengthen the long-standing connection between the country and Brazilian football.
The Brazilians will travel to India after playing two friendly matches in Australia as Ancelotti continues preparations with a squad featuring some of the world’s leading players, including Real Madrid forward Vinicius Junior.
Ancelotti, who took charge of Brazil last year, is one of football’s most decorated coaches and has won a record five UEFA Champions League titles during his managerial career.
Brazil will also be using the international fixtures as part of their preparations for the next major challenge, with the Selecao seeking to end their long wait for another World Cup triumph.
Their last World Cup title came in 2002, while their most recent campaign ended at the round-of-16 stage.
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