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Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker has hailed the impact of Carlo Ancelotti, saying the Italian manager has completely revitalized the Brazil national team.
Ahead of the World Cup opener, the goalkeeper admitted the team had gone through a difficult period before the former Real Madrid manager took the reins.
A new era of calm under Ancelotti
Ancelotti is set to make history this Saturday as the first foreign coach to lead Brazil to a World Cup, and the internal reception to his appointment has been overwhelmingly positive. Having taken charge of the Seleção in May 2025, Brazil marks Ancelotti’s first international experience as a full-time coach. Speaking from the team’s Basking Ridge training base, Alisson highlighted the psychological change since the Italian’s arrival.
“It is undeniable that the last period was very difficult for us players. We felt directly the difficulties we encountered, due to several factors. Since Ancelotti’s arrival, the environment has transformed. He has a strong presence and gives us the tranquility of a work-oriented environment, without controversy,” the Liverpool goalkeeper told reporters.
The management and pressure of the Seleçao
The veteran coach took over a year ago, at a time when Brazil’s qualification for the 2026 tournament looked unusually fragile. Alisson, who is preparing for his third consecutive World Cup as undisputed number one with Brazil in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti and Scotland, believes Ancelotti’s unique blend of humility and elite tactical knowledge has been the catalyst for their recent recovery.
“He is resilient, humble and has the intelligence to choose the right words at the right time. He is a great manager. He has a clear idea of football, which facilitates our style of play. These combinations favor the team. I see his joy and gratitude to be the coach of the Seleção,” added Alisson. He even went so far as to compare this role to a political function: “He is a multi-champion, but he shows it. You can notice it. We notice it too. He has won everything in football and is here with joy and enthusiasm. His position has perhaps more pressure than that of president of the country, at his levels.”
The influence of a legendary mentor
While Ancelotti manages the overall philosophy, Alisson also took the time to credit his long-time goalkeeping coach and childhood idol, Claudio Taffarel. The 1994 World Cup winner has been a constant in Alisson’s career, both internationally and during their time at Anfield, providing a vital link to Brazil’s successful past.
“One of my most vivid memories, at six years old, is the semi-final against the Netherlands. [in 1998]. My father made a joke when Taffarel saved the penalty. He took a cake and shoved it in his face. I think that’s why it remained so memorable,” recalled Alisson. “It’s a privilege to work with Taffarel, an idol, an inspiration and a reference for so many Brazilians who wanted to become goalkeepers. In his childhood, we used to say: “Taffareeel…”. He supports us in difficult times, he left a legacy beyond what he did as a player. Maybe people don’t see Taffarel’s importance as a goalkeeping coach as much. I was able to maintain a high level for a very long time thanks to a qualified coach like him.”
The World Cup campaign is launched
Brazil enters the tournament with a renewed sense of purpose after the “difficult period” mentioned by the clinical goalkeeper. The Seleção are desperate to break their recent hoodoo, having been eliminated in the quarter-finals at the last two World Cups and have not lifted the trophy since 2002. They are set to face Morocco in their first group match this Saturday, followed by encounters against Haiti and Scotland as they seek to secure a record sixth world title.
