Carlo Ancelotti is facing backlash in Brazil after leading the Selecao to a 3-2 defeat against Japan earlier this weekend, and 1994 World Cup winner Romario has been among the Italian’s loudest critics: ‘Take your things and go’.
Brazil were defeated 3-2 by Japan in a friendly in Singapore earlier this weekend, a game that saw Ancelotti sent off for running onto the pitch to protest Japan’s 91st-minute winner. He felt that Joao Gomes had been fouled in the build-up to Tatsuhiro Sakamoto’s late decider.
This comes after a disappointing display at the 2026 World Cup, which saw Brazil knocked out at the round of 16 stage after a 2-1 defeat by Norway.
Thus far, Ancelotti has won 12, drawn four and lost five of his first 21 matches in charge of Brazil with an average of 1.90 points per game.
Criticism of Ancelotti has increased in the wake of the Japan defeat and former Brazil national team star Romario has not held back in his analysis of the former Real Madrid, PSG and Milan boss.
“Ancelotti, it’s done! Take your things and go,” wrote Romario in a post on Instagram.
“Nobody is questioning your history. You’re one of the greatest coaches the world has ever seen, but that was in club football. With the Brazil national team, so far, things haven’t been the same. We can’t take it much longer.
“Do you want to continue coaching? Go back to the clubs where you made your name, because the Brazil national team can’t keep paying for it.”
Romario has called upon Samir Xaud, President of the Brazilian FA, to dismiss Ancelotti from his position as head coach.
“The message now is for the President of the CBF, Samir Xaud,” Romario’s Instagram post continued. “You are young, the Brazilian people and I think you want what’s best for our football. Now it’s time to show that you have the courage to make a decision.
“You can’t mess with the national team shirt. We’re too embarrassed and we can’t take the risk of throwing another World Cup in the bin. There’s no use in crying after the chance to win the cup disappeared. The time to act is now.”
A post shared by Romário (@romariofaria)