Carlo Ancelotti’s roar before arriving in Kolkata: ‘There is no such thing as a friendly match in Brazil’s dictionary.’

Carlo Ancelotti has already begun to feel the heat of India's football passion before even setting foot in Kolkata. The 67-year-old Italian coach of the five-time world champions fully grasps the irresistible pull and intense frenzy for football that lies hidden within this city, even amidst the dominance of cricket. Ahead of the match against India at the Salt Lake Stadium on October 3, this high-profile coach has made it clear: although it is labeled a 'friendly' match on paper, there is no room for complacency in the Brazilian dictionary.

This marks the first-ever tour of India for this highly successful team, currently ranked fifth in the FIFA world rankings. Football fever in Kolkata is at an all-time high at the prospect of seeing world-class stars like Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha in action. While stars like Pelé (with the Cosmos) and others have visited in the past, this is the first time the full Brazilian national team will step onto Indian soil.

In an interview with *The Times of India*, Ancelotti expressed his admiration for India's football culture, stating, "Brazil has supporters in every corner of the globe. Playing in India is a source of great joy for us. However, there is no scope to take the match against the hosts—ranked 138th globally—lightly. Even though it is a preparatory game, to be honest, there is no such thing as a 'friendly match' for Brazil."

He added, "We need to learn about new countries and their football cultures. At the international level, one has to face teams of all styles. I am thrilled at the prospect of visiting India for the first time. India may have limited experience playing against world-class opponents, but it is crucial for us to witness firsthand how they play."

The 'Seleção' will arrive in Kolkata directly after playing two warm-up matches in Australia. Beyond the 90 minutes of football, this titan of world football is eagerly looking forward to experiencing Kolkata's historic football culture and the local atmosphere up close.