Real Madrid winger Rodrygo believes that manager Carlo Ancelotti could be a "serious candidate" to become the next Brazil boss.
The South American giants are on the lookout for a new manager after Tite left his post following the Selecao's quarter-final exit at the 2022 World Cup.
Ancelotti has since been strongly linked with the Brazil vacancy, with goalkeeper Ederson recently stating that there is "a big possibility" the Italian will take the reins later this year.
"I was discussing this with Casemiro, Vinicius Junior, [Eder] Militao. There is a big possibility that he comes," the Manchester City shot-stopper told reporters. "Just look at his CV. We will know shortly whether he will be here or not.
"I hope we can have a new coach quickly. I feel the anticipation too because there's too much speculation. Is it a Brazilian or a foreign coach? We are also living that phase of anxiety."
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Fellow Brazilian star Rodrygo has since revealed that he and some of his Real Madrid teammates have joked with Ancelotti about taking the Brazil job, and the winger feels his current boss at club level could be the man to replace Tite on the international stage.
"We joke with Ancelotti that we're waiting for him in Brazil. He jokes that we'll make the call-up together with Militao and Vini (Vinicius Junior)", Rodrygo told Globo as quoted by journalist Fabrizio Romano.
"But you know, every joke has a little bit of truth in it. I think he could be a serious candidate to take Brazil job".
Reports earlier this year claimed that Ancelotti had reached an agreement to become Brazil's next manager, but the Brazilian federation quickly denied such rumours.
"We can deny any agreement reached with Ancelotti. We suggest to leave the speculations – we will decide and then announce our new head coach at the right moment," the statement read.
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Ancelotti joined Real Madrid for his second spell in charge in the summer of 2021 and has since won five trophies including the La Liga title and Champions League last season.
The 63-year-old is under contract at the Santiago Bernabeu until June 2024, and has reiterated his desire to continue as Los Blancos manager.
"My evaluation is something that the club has to do and not me. I have already said that I would like to stay for the rest of my life but I know that this is impossible," Ancelotti told reporters. "Whatever happens, the club will decide at the end of the season.
"My thought is to continue and what the club decides will be what counts. If they want me, I will enjoy it. If not, I will enjoy it for as long as I have left. I will be grateful for life."
Brazil have placed Under-20s coach Ramon Menezes in temporary charge of the senior team for an international friendly away against World Cup semi-finalists Morocco on Saturday.
Oliver Thomas
