The legendary Italian coach has been appointed as the first foreign coach of the Brazilian national team and the Manchester United midfielder thinks that he is the figurehead needed to get the Selecao performing again.

Casemiro - who played under Ancelotti during his time at Real Madrid - told ESPN Brasil: "After Tite left, I think it had to be him.

"Brazil needed professionals like him, Brazil needed a big name like him, someone who commands respect."

The player added: "This guy is exceptional. This guy is incredible, the way he talks about football, the way he understands football.

"Let's enjoy it, because regardless of whether he wins or loses, when this guy talks about football, he has charisma, a power to make players perform at their best, to get the most out of them, to bring out their best qualities."

Ancelotti's first game in charge of Brazil will be the 2026 World Cup qualifier against Ecuador on June 6 but Casemiro is disappointed that his contract only lasts until the end of next summer's tournament in Canada, the United States and Mexico.

He said: "I'm happy that a coach of such stature is coaching the Brazilian national team, [but] I'm a little sad that it's only for a short time. Because, man, I say that I know him personally, I know him very well, and just one year ... it's not enough time.

"We needed more. For me, in my opinion, given the circumstances, he should have been there before."

Casemiro hasn't played for Brazil since October 2023 but is hopeful of representing his country once again under Ancelotti.

He said: "It's difficult to talk about returning to the national team. It's inevitable when you talk about the greatness of a coach like that, you're closer to winning. Of course, I'll say it again, it's not certain that Brazil will win now.

"But when you have a coach of that stature and he goes to the Brazilian national team, of course you feel like it, of course you want to return to the Brazilian national team."