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3 September 2026

Carlo Ancelotti returned to Valdebebas on Thursday morning, this time as Brazil head coach and as a former Real Madrid manager.

The Italian visited the training ground to meet the squad, with particular attention on Brazil internationals Vinicius Jr., Endrick, Rodrygo Goes and Eder Militao.

The veteran manager also spent time talking to new Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho, with whom he continues to share a close relationship.

After the visit, Ancelotti spoke to Real Madrid TV about being back at the club, Mourinho and Brazil’s plans going forward.

Ancelotti said his relationship with Mourinho has long been a very positive one and welcomed the Portuguese coach’s return to Real Madrid.

“My relationship with him has been very good for a long time. We have a good relationship, we exchange ideas and send each other messages,” he said.

“I’m happy that he’s here, back at this great club that is Real Madrid and that he knows very well.”

Ancelotti believes Mourinho will be a success at Real Madrid.

The former Real Madrid coach made it clear that he has no doubts about Mourinho’s ability to do well at the club.

“I’m sure he’s going to do very well. Jose is a great coach and I’m convinced he’s going to do a very good job here,” Ancelotti added.

The Italian is also pleased with Real Madrid’s start to the La Liga season, with the side having won three out of three matches so far.

“It’s going very well. They had difficulties in the first match, but little by little the team has played better. They played a great game in the second match against Real Sociedad,” he said.

Ancelotti feels the most important stretch of the campaign is now about to begin, starting with the meeting against Real Betis and then the beginning of the Champions League.

“Now the important matches begin, first against Betis and then the Champions League starts. I think the team is well prepared, with new signings who are going to contribute a lot,” he noted.

His prediction was straightforward: “I think it’s going to be a great season for Real Madrid.”

Even after moving on from the club, Ancelotti’s affection for Real Madrid remains unmistakable.

“It’s my club. Real Madrid is home, it’s family, it’s everything. I’ve had a wonderful time here and I have fantastic memories,” he said.

Ancelotti said he considers Real Madrid his home.

“I’ve gone from being Real Madrid’s coach to being a Real Madrid fan, one of the first fans. Whenever Real Madrid play, I sit in front of the television.”

Explaining why he had visited the club’s facilities, Ancelotti said: “I’m here as the coach of the Brazilian national team and also privately to say hello, to return to a place where I spent a lot of time.

“I’ve seen the Brazilian players who are recovering. It’s been a nice morning.”

Ancelotti also set out his plans for the Brazilian national team after the end of the World Cup cycle.

He believes Brazil must now begin building a new generation of players capable of competing at the 2030 World Cup.

“The World Cup marked the end of a generation of great footballers and a new generation has to begin,” the former Real Madrid boss said.

The focus, in particular, is on young Brazilian players based across the world.

“We’re mainly evaluating the young Brazilians who are all over the world and we’re beginning to plan a new generation that can arrive at the 2030 World Cup with ambition and quality, and compete with every team in the world.”

“The quality of the young Brazilian players aged 20 and 21 is very good and we’re evaluating them.”