Alisson explains how Carlo Ancelotti has 'transformed' Brazil national team after 'very difficult period'

Ancelotti is set to make history this Saturday as the first foreign manager to lead Brazil into a World Cup, and the internal reception to his appointment has been overwhelmingly positive. Having taken charge of the Selecao in May 2025, this marks Ancelotti's first international experience as a full-time coach. Speaking from the team’s training base in Basking Ridge, Alisson highlighted the psychological shift since the Italian's arrival.

"It is undeniable that the last period was very difficult for us players. We felt firsthand the difficulties we had, due to several factors. Since Ancelotti's arrival, the environment has been transformed. He carries a strong presence and gives us the tranquillity of an environment focused on work, without controversy," the Liverpool goalkeeper told reporters.

The veteran coach took over during a period where Brazil’s qualification for the 2026 tournament looked uncharacteristically shaky. Alisson, who is preparing for his third consecutive World Cup as the undisputed number one with Brazil drawn 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 intelligence in choosing 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 for being the coach of the Seleção," Alisson added. He even went as far as to compare the role to political office: "He's a multi-champion, but he shows it. You can notice it. We also notice it. He has won everything in football and is here with joy and enthusiasm. His position perhaps has more pressure than being the president of the country, in its levels."

While Ancelotti manages the overall philosophy, Alisson also took time to credit his long-term goalkeeper coach and childhood idol, Claudio Taffarel. The 1994 World Cup winner has been a constant in Alisson's career at both international level and during their time together at Anfield, providing a vital link to Brazil’s successful past.

"One of the most vivid memories I have, at six years old, is the semi-final against the Netherlands [in 1998]. My father played a joke when Taffarel saved the penalty. He took a cake and shoved it in his own face. I think that's why it stayed so marked," Alisson recalled. "It's a privilege to work with Taffarel, an idol, inspiration and reference for so many Brazilians who wanted to be a goalkeeper. In childhood it was saying: 'Taffareeel...'. He sustains us in difficult moments, he has left a legacy beyond what he did as a player. Perhaps people don't see Taffarel's importance as a goalkeeper coach as much. I've been able to maintain a high level for so long because I have a qualified coach like him."

Brazil enter the tournament with a renewed sense of purpose following the "difficult period" mentioned by the clinical goalkeeper. The Selecao are desperate to break their recent hoodoo, having been eliminated at the quarter-final stage in the last two World Cups, and have not lifted the trophy since 2002. They are scheduled to face Morocco in their opening Group match this Saturday, followed by fixtures against Haiti and Scotland as they look to secure a record-extending sixth world title.