Is Carlo Ancelotti a driven individual? The Italian reclines and grins. "Ambitious? Not me. Why do you ask?" The query stems from his remarkable record: at 66, he boasts five Champions League triumphs and domestic championships across England, France, Germany, Italy, and Spain. Yet, he craves further success. Appointed Brazil's head coach last May, his singular goal is World Cup glory.

"Winning doesn't obsess me," Ancelotti explains. "I cherish the joys football brings. The World Cup isn't an fixation, but I relish this chapter, guiding the globe's most vital national side."

A World Cup veteran as a player, this marks Ancelotti's debut managing at the tournament. His mission: restore Brazil to supremacy, ending a 2002 drought - the longest since 1970-1994. Unperturbed, his enduring zeal shines through our extended chat. After 47 elite years - 16 playing, 31 coaching - his love for the game remains undimmed. He's here from pure devotion.

"Football is essential to my life," he confesses. "Off the field, I'd spectate as a supporter. TV matches aren't labor; they're delight. I adore films too. Football evokes that cinematic thrill. Post-retirement, I'd savor games identically, no issue."

Stars like Kaká, Toni Kroos, Gareth Bale, and Vinícius Júnior hail him as their finest boss. His secret? "No idea," he chuckles. "Perhaps my demeanor, player interactions, and respect for them as individuals. I prioritize those bonds."

"Coaching demands juggling myriad elements: players, club, media, supporters. The toughest - and crucial - is human relations."

Often labeled a "people's manager" - winning via rapport over tactics - Ancelotti dismisses it. "Titles aren't just from player ties," he asserts. "Strong bonds extract peak - even beyond - performance. That's one facet. Labels on my tactics don't faze me; I master the game's every angle."

Ancelotti's Brazil deal runs to 2030, age 70 then. Premier League's eldest is 63-year-old David Moyes; Brazil's top flight has few over 60, none his senior. "Football evolves," he notes. "I adapt. It's more data-driven, intense, physical now. Defensive tactics matter less than a decade ago. Young coaches emphasize attack over backline."

Though newly installed, Ancelotti grasps Brazil's ethos, having coached over 40 locals. That swayed his hire. "I love Brazil's fervor," he says. "Their passion for the yellow shirt is unique. Unlike elsewhere, the national team reigns supreme here.

"Brazil upholds its heritage, prizing family and faith - values Europe has shed. Europeans lack that national jersey devotion. I admire Brazilian vibrancy, national energy, Rio's allure - vivid at carnival. Brazil captivates me."

His faith nod matters: over half Brazilians are Catholic, like Italy. "Religion instilled conduct, respect," Ancelotti shares. "Catholicism shapes me, fostering goodness." Praying for injury relief? "Ha, indeed," he laughs, sobering. "It's worrying. Three key losses already. Pray no more pre-World Cup."

Sixth-ranked Brazil misses Éder Militão, Rodrygo; Estêvão doubtful. This hampers Ancelotti's 10-game stint: five wins, two draws, three losses. Piecing his XI, he aims to replicate 2024 Real Madrid magic - crowning Vinícius world's best. Internationally, the 25-year-old's 47 caps yield eight goals. Ancelotti knows how to ignite him.

"His Brazil burden is immense lately," Ancelotti observes. "It weighs heavy. Our role: lighten it for joyful, energetic display of his gifts.

"Vinícius mirrors my Madrid view: match-winner extraordinaire, stellar character. Crucial for our World Cup. But no singular star needed. Team focus wins titles."

Unlike predecessors overloading on Neymar, Ancelotti shifts gears. At 34, the ex-Barça/PSG star battles fitness; no Seleção action since October 2023 despite 79 goals. Debate rages: Datafolha poll shows 53% for, 34% against, 13% unsure.

Squad reveal nears - 18 May - and Ancelotti is firm on Neymar. "His spot rests on him alone," he states. "Pitch evidence decides. Clear rule for all. Talent unquestioned; fitness key. It's his call, not mine."

Veteran Thiago Silva, 41, ex-Chelsea/PSG, eyes fifth World Cup post-strong Porto year. "He's tracked," Ancelotti confirms. "Excellent form, league winner, peak fitness.

"Leaders matter. Ours boast quiet influencers: Alisson, Casemiro, Marquinhos, Raphinha. Solid leadership core."

Ancelotti's fourth World Cup: player in Italy's 1986/1990 sides, Sacchi assistant in 1994 USA - final loss on penalties to Brazil. Revisiting after 32 years stirs joy, reminiscence.

Improvements noted: "1994 New York noon games hit 43C (109F). Now, timings suit; weather no issue."

Brazilian press dubbed his move: world's top club to top nation. Similarities exist, differences too. "Distinct managerial paths," he says. "Madrid's lesson, applied here: excellence demands. Rigorous standards boost wins. Madrid dominates via universal expectation. Demand extracts maximum."

Dog devotee, Ancelotti finds solace there. "Three in Canada," he reveals. "Dogs outshine humans in loyalty. Win or lose, no judgment. Homecoming matters most."

Brazil's group: Morocco, Haiti, Scotland. Championship path? "Talent," Ancelotti declares. "Ours abounds. Post-24-year hunger fuels us. Great World Cup awaits."