Ancelotti claims Alex Ferguson is the only coach qualified to give him advice | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti has fired back at supporters criticising his footballing know-how at the 2026 World Cup, suggesting that Sir Alex Ferguson is perhaps the only person on the planet better qualified to give their opinion on the sport: ‘There’s only one person who has taken charge of more games than me’.

Ancelotti: Sir Alex Ferguson the only man better qualified to give advice to me

Ancelotti and his Brazil national team squad are through to the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup after a last-gasp 2-1 victory over Japan in the round of 32.

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 26: Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Brazil, chats with his assistant coach Davide Ancelotti during the international friendly match between Brazil and France at Gillette Stadium on March 26, 2026 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Despite finishing top of their group, ahead of 2022 semi-finalists Morocco, it has not all been smooth sailing for Ancelotti during the tournament.

The Italian tactician came under fire after the opening 1-1 draw against Morocco and has faced criticism from supporters over his team selection, whether it be the opinion-dividing decision to take a half-injured 34-year-old Neymar to the tournament or his choice to leave the popular Endrick out of the starting XI.

However, Ancelotti has had an opportunity to hit back at those who have criticised his decision-making at the World Cup, and claims that there is only one man better qualified to give their opinions on football.

During an interview with Folha de Sao Paulo in Brazil, it was put to Ancelotti that some fans ‘changed’ their opinions on the coach after the 2-1 win over Japan and that they were ‘surprised’ at his level of tactical prowess.

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JUNE 13: Carlo Ancelotti, Head Coach of Brazil, reacts during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group C match between Brazil and Morocco at New York New Jersey Stadium on June 13, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Imag

He replied: “I don’t know whether I understand football or not, but, nobody else can judge whether or not I understand it.

“The only thing that is certain is that I’ve already prepared more than 1,400 matches. That might not be enough to ‘understand’ football, but it’s definitely good experience.

“And nobody, no-one, maybe only one person has prepared more games than me: Alex Ferguson, who has taken charge of more than 2,000 matches. Obviously I take advice from everyone, but the only person who would be better suited to give me advice would be Alex Ferguson.”