​Brazil’s World Cup shock continued to sting on Brazilian soil as Romário publicly criticized Carlo Ancelotti, urging that the Italian coach should not remain at the helm of the national team. The former Brazil star did not hold back after the Seleção’s Round of 16 exit, the earliest since Italia 90, and argued that Ancelotti’s approach has betrayed many fans and former players who hoped for a different style of play and a stronger performance on the world stage.
In a pointed critique delivered through Sky Sport Italia, Romário said bluntly that Ancelotti cannot continue as Brazil’s head coach. “If I were in charge of the federation, I would have walked into the dressing room, told him to go to hell, and torn up his contract on the spot,” Romário asserted. He labeled the defeat to Norway a disgrace and didn’t shy away from suggesting drastic measures. “I’d even take him to court. Then we’ll see what happens, but he cannot stay,” Romário insisted, underscoring his belief that the former Real Madrid and Everton manager had failed to deliver the goods on the big stage.
Romário did not mince words when recounting his observation of Ancelotti’s tactics during the Norway match. He claimed that the Italy-born coach failed to communicate a coherent plan on the pitch. “He replaced Bruno Guimarães and played Ederson wide,” Romário explained, criticizing the decision to deploy a goalkeeper in an outfield position due to a lack of available full-backs. He pointed out that a substitute for a full-back was made with a central midfielder, a choice Romário deemed ill-fated. “There aren’t many options, but surely there’s someone better than Ederson in that position,” he argued, suggesting that the lineup decisions were misaligned with Brazil’s strengths and available personnel.
Romário’s verdict extended to the broader coaching history in Brazil’s post-World Cup era. He contrasted Ancelotti with his predecessors, recalling the fates of Dunga, Luiz Felipe Scolari, and Tite. “We had Dunga. He lost, and he left. We had Luiz Felipe Scolari; he won the World Cup, so he stayed. We had Tite. He lost, he stayed, and then he lost again,” Romário stated, framing the dismissal and persistence patterns that critics say have defined Brazil’s coaching merry-go-round.
Now, Romário warned that Ancelotti represents a troubling pattern for Brazil: “Now we have this damned Ancelotti, who has lost and will keep on losing. He made a lot of mistakes at this World Cup, and none of you in the media are saying a word.” He contended that the discussions around Brazil’s World Cup campaign have been muted in certain circles due to Ancelotti’s foreign status, suggesting a double standard in media coverage compared with a Brazilian coach.
Romário’s outspoken take is part of a broader national debate over how Brazil should approach restoration after a disappointing World Cup run. Some supporters argue for patience with the coach and a longer-term plan, while others echo Romário’s call for accountability and immediate changes at the top. The debate raises questions about the practicalities of assembling a competitive squad, the reliability of tactics in high-stakes matches, and the leadership needed to rekindle Brazil’s traditional attacking identity on the world stage.
Critics of Romário’s stance may caution that a manager’s nationality should not automatically determine merit, and that the performance in a single tournament does not necessarily reflect a coaching cycle’s larger potential. Proponents, however, feel that Brazil’s footballing expectations demand swift reforms and decisive action when results falter. As discussions continue, fans, pundits, and federation officials alike will weigh Romário’s passionate critique against a wider assessment of Brazil’s tactical philosophy, player development, and recruitment strategy going forward.
In the aftermath of the World Cup exit, demand for clarity on Brazil’s direction remains high. The nation’s supporters, fatigued by the knockout at the Round of 16 and frustrated by inconsistent performances, are calling for a strategic reevaluation that could reshape Brazil’s coaching landscape for the next cycle. Whether Ancelotti remains in charge, or whether the federation pivots to a different leadership approach, the discourse highlights a pivotal moment for Brazilian football as it seeks to restore its standing on the global stage and reclaim the melodious, effective style that has long defined the Seleção.