Vinicius wants to win World Cup for Ancelotti
Vinicius Junior lauded Carlo Ancelotti's influence on Brazil and urged the team to win the FIFA World Cup to make sure his work is rewarded.
Ancelotti took over the Brazil national team in May after his exit from Real Madrid, where he coached Vinicius for four seasons.
The Italian has so far taken charge of six matches, winning half of those, and helped Brazil secure its place in next year's FIFA World Cup.
After qualifying, it beat Korea Republic 5-0 in a friendly before suffering a shock 3-2 defeat to Japan.
The Selecao continues to step up preparations with friendlies against Senegal and Tunisia, and Vinicius believes it will be another opportunity to see how Brazil is building on the Italian's instructions.
"With Ancelotti, we're evolving and building a clear playing identity," Vinicius said.
"Finding that balance before the [FIFA] World Cup will be crucial. We all have to get into the [FIFA] World Cup mindset and understand that our opportunity has arrived."
Brazil has won the FIFA World Cup on five occasions, but its most recent triumph came more than two decades ago in 2002.
In Qatar, it was knocked out in the quarter-finals by Croatia on penalties, but Vinicius says Brazil now has renewed confidence, which is all down to Ancelotti.
"He's done the same thing everywhere he's gone – instilling confidence and getting the best out of every player in their ideal position," Vinicius added.
"He always says his dream is to make the Brazilian people happy, to bring back the joyful football that defines us, and to win the [FIFA] World Cup.
"He gives us calm and confidence. He reminds us that we already have the passion and intensity to wear this shirt – and that's the hardest part. We just need to win so that his work gets the recognition it deserves."
