Carlo Ancelotti has reemerged as the leading candidate for Brazil\'s vacant national team coaching position, according to sources who spoke with ESPN Brasil.
The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) dismissed coach Dorival Júnior last month and had been considering Al Hilal manager Jorge Jesus as a potential replacement. However, Ancelotti has consistently been CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues\' preferred choice since Tite\'s departure following the 2022 World Cup.
Ancelotti\'s position at Real Madrid has come under scrutiny following their Champions League quarterfinal elimination by Arsenal, losing 5-1 on aggregate. Though Madrid remains in contention for LaLiga, they trail Barcelona by four points with just five matches remaining.
The CBF is reportedly monitoring Saturday\'s Copa del Rey final between Real Madrid and Barcelona closely, as a defeat could potentially lead to Ancelotti\'s dismissal from his current role.
When questioned about his future, Ancelotti recently stated: \"There\'s nothing to say. We\'ll talk about it at the end of the season.\"
Sources indicate that discussions between CBF representatives and Ancelotti\'s team have resumed in recent weeks. An agent and two Brazilian intermediaries are reportedly in Madrid, communicating with Ancelotti\'s son, Davide, and the coach\'s representatives about the Brazil position.
Neither the CBF nor Ancelotti is expected to make any definitive moves until the Italian manager\'s future at Madrid is resolved. The CBF aims to name their new manager in the coming weeks to prepare for the next squad announcement on May 26 ahead of June\'s FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Brazilian stars Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, who currently play under Ancelotti at Madrid, would reportedly welcome the experienced tactician\'s appointment to the national team.
While the CBF maintains Ancelotti as their primary target, Jorge Jesus remains under consideration. The former Flamengo manager currently has a contract with Al Hilal that extends through the FIFA Club World Cup but could potentially reach an agreement to depart the Saudi club next month.
The CBF has officially denied having representatives in Europe, stating that \"the matter is being dealt exclusively by Rodrigo Caetano, the men\'s national team coordinator and by CBF president Rodrigues\" and that \"no other person is authorized to speak about the case on behalf of the confederation.\"