Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti has once again reignited the debate over fixture congestion in world football. In an interview with Il Giornale, the Italian manager stressed that the current calendar is oversaturated and that both FIFA and UEFA must act to protect the quality of the game and the health of the players.

“Too many games, poorly played”

Speaking with the authority of someone who has managed elite clubs such as Real Madrid, Milan, Chelsea, and now the Brazilian national team, Ancelotti was blunt:
“There are too many games, and they’re poorly played. Football is becoming increasingly analytical, intense, and fast, but the calendars are overloaded. There are too many matches, not all of them quality, and this leads to an excess of injuries.”

As a solution, the coach suggested reducing the number of teams in domestic leagues. “It would make sense to go from 20 to 18 teams; this would eliminate lower-level fixtures and make costs more reasonable. However, such a change requires consensus, which hasn’t been reached so far,” he added.

Ancelotti also pointed out that players and coaches are often excluded from the most important decision-making processes in football: “We are the highest-paid, perhaps that’s why they don’t want us at the table when these issues are discussed.”

Modric to Milan and the crisis in Italian football

In the same interview, Ancelotti spoke about Luka Modric, whom he coached at Real Madrid and who will now play for Milan. “I’ve spoken with him — he’ll bring joy to the fans and leave his mark on Serie A. He’s happy with the decision, he knows he can still reach the World Cup. He’s an absolute professional; last year, he didn’t miss a single training session.”

He also addressed the situation of the Italian national team, now under the guidance of Gennaro Gattuso, whom he once managed as a player. “I never thought ‘Rino’ would become national coach, but he has character and personality. I hope to see him at the World Cup. What surprised me the most were the difficulties Spalletti had to face.”

Ancelotti diagnosed a generational crisis in Italian football: “We no longer have top-level forwards like Vieri, Totti, Del Piero, or Inzaghi. The defense and midfield are fine, but producing attacking talent has become a struggle.”

On Donnarumma and new refereeing rules

The coach also weighed in on the debate surrounding Gianluigi Donnarumma at PSG and Luis Enrique’s preference for a goalkeeper more skilled with the ball at his feet: “Luis Enrique has been clear; he has a different idea of the goalkeeper’s role. I think differently, but I respect his decision.”

Finally, Ancelotti expressed skepticism over the new rule allowing referees to explain their decisions in real time inside the stadium: “I don’t think it’s necessary; I’m not sure it will really be useful for the game.”