Archive · 2 Oct 2026
Ancelotti Expresses Full Respect for India Before Brazil Friendly
Brazil will play India in a football match in Kolkata on Saturday.
Brazil’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, said his team respects India.
He hopes the game will be entertaining.
He said the match is an opportunity for Brazil’s players, not a test they must pass.
Brazil is using the match to prepare and bring new players together.
The team wants to play with commitment, skill and happiness.
India recently drew 1-1 with Panama.
Ancelotti had earlier said India lacked a football culture, but his latest comments focused on respecting the quality of the Indian team.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti said his team fully respects India ahead of Saturday’s match in Kolkata.
Ancelotti described the friendly as an opportunity for Brazil’s players rather than a test or selection trial.
He said Brazil wants to play with commitment, quality and joy while integrating new squad members.
Brazil arrived after two matches in Australia, a 1-1 draw and a 4-2 win.
Ancelotti’s recent comments contrasted with an earlier assessment that India lacked a football culture, though he did not explicitly withdraw it.
- Who
- Brazil, coached by Carlo Ancelotti, will play India.
- What
- The teams will meet in a friendly football match.
- When
- The match is scheduled for Saturday, after Ancelotti’s Friday comments.
- Where
- Kolkata, India.
- Why
- Brazil is using the match as preparation and to integrate new players.
Earlier Cultural Criticism
Current Respect for India
Ancelotti’s assessment of Indian football
Earlier Cultural Criticism
Ancelotti earlier described India as lacking a football culture, while saying the country was good in other sports.
Current Respect for India
In Kolkata, Ancelotti emphasized respect for the quality of India’s team and its 1-1 draw against Panama.
Meaning of the match
Earlier Cultural Criticism
A competitive match could be viewed as a test of the teams’ abilities.
Current Respect for India
Ancelotti said it was not a test or a chance for players to prove themselves, but an opportunity and part of Brazil’s preparation.
- Brazil coach
- Carlo Ancelotti
- Match venue
- Kolkata, India
- Brazil’s view of the match
- An opportunity rather than a test for the squad
- India’s recent result
- A 1-1 draw against Panama
- Brazil’s Australia results
- A 1-1 draw and a 4-2 win
- Brazil’s stated values
- Commitment, quality and happiness in playing football
- Earlier disputed comment
- Ancelotti previously said India did not have a football culture, according to a report cited by Gulf News
