Alisson says boss Ancelotti has ‘transformed the environment’ at Brazil | OneFootball

Brazil goalkeeper Alisson has praised Carlo Ancelotti for transforming the mood around the team since becoming Seleção manager.

Former Real Madrid, AC Milan and Chelsea manager Ancelotti was appointed in May last year to lead the Brazilian national team to the World Cup finals.

The 67-year-old Italian has drawn praise from Liverpool shot-stopper Alisson for revitalising the national team after years of underachievement, ahead of his country’s tournament opener against Morocco.

“I think every period had its own characteristics, right?” Alisson said. “And it’s undeniable that this last one was very difficult for all of us players. We felt first-hand the difficulties we had.

“I think you also followed it very closely, for various reasons. But within all of that, the most important thing is the moment we find ourselves in now.

“And since Ancelotti arrived, the environment has been transformed. He is someone who carries a very strong presence and gives us that calmness of an environment focused on work, without being focused on controversies or having to deal with other issues.

“He’s a true winner; it really shows. I think you can see it in his expression and players notice it too. The guy has won everything in football, yet here he is with the Brazilian national team, full of joy and enthusiasm.”

The pressure of wearing his country’s shirt is something the 33-year-old is prepared for, and believes dealing with the criticism of a lack of recent World Cup glory is natural.

“Expectations and pressure are natural, whether fair or not. I think that’s part of football, part of what comes with wearing this shirt,” he said.

“Because of the history, people expect the players who wear the national team shirt to win titles. And I’ve already experienced that by winning a Copa America with the Brazilian national team, but nothing compares to winning a World Cup.

“So that’s the goal. I think the criticism also comes from that, from not having won on other occasions. And I deal with it naturally.”