Romario demands Ancelotti's sacking after Brazil's 3-2 loss to Japan: 'Pack your bags and go'
Brazil legend Romario has vented his anger at head coach Carlo Ancelotti after Brazil's 3-2 friendly defeat to Japan in Singapore. The 1994 World Cup-winning former striker has demanded that the Italian coach be sacked immediately.
In Saturday's friendly at Singapore's National Stadium, Brazil fell behind early. Goals from Takefusa Kubo and Keito Nakamura put Japan 2-0 ahead within 19 minutes.
Real Madrid winger Vinicius Junior brought the five-time world champions level with two goals, scoring in the 33rd and 75th minutes.
In the end, Tatsuhiro Sakamoto's goal in added time sealed a 3-2 win for Japan. The defeat has increased the pressure on Ancelotti.
A foul in the build-up to Japan's winning goal late in the match sparked controversy. Ancelotti and substitute Barcelona forward Raphinha were both shown red cards for protesting.
After the defeat, Romario expressed his anger on Instagram. Addressing Ancelotti, he wrote: 'Enough, Ancelotti! Pack your bags and go! Nobody questions your past achievements. You are one of the best coaches in the history of world football. But that was at club level. You have given nothing to the Brazil national team yet. We cannot take it anymore.'
Romario also advised Ancelotti to return to club football, writing: 'If you want to keep coaching, go back to a club, where you made your name. The Brazil team cannot keep taking risks like this or wait to see what happens.'
Romario also sent a direct message to Samir Xaud, president of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). Addressing Xaud, he wrote: 'You are young, you are Brazilian, and I believe you want good things for our football. Now is the time to take a brave decision. You have to prove you have the courage to take such a decision.'
In even stronger words, Romario added: 'President, throw Ancelotti out! You cannot play games with the Brazil jersey. We have already endured enough humiliation. We cannot risk ruining another World Cup. If the World Cup slips away, crying afterwards will do no good. The time to act is now.'
In Romario's view, a brave decision is needed now to avoid failure at another major tournament. The defeat to Japan and the public demand that followed have intensified the discussion in the Brazil camp over Ancelotti's future.
