Oswaldo de Oliveira acknowledges ‘inopportune moment’ in criticism of Ancelotti, but rebuffs: ‘I won’t apologize’

The criticism made by Oswaldo de Oliveira regarding the choice of a foreigner as the coach of the Brazilian national team, in front of Ancelotti at the 2nd Brazilian Coaches Forum, has been making waves in recent days. On Wednesday night, he posted a lengthy video on social media to clarify the issue. The coach stated that his goal was to ‘value Brazilian coaches’ and that he would not apologize for something he did not say. He reiterated his statement from the event and included the video that went viral in recent days: ‘My phrase was: ‘I want Ancelotti to have good luck in the World Cup, to bring us the title, and then, when he leaves the Brazilian national team, that a Brazilian coach once again takes over.’ That’s exactly what I said. Of course, the timing was inopportune because I wanted to value Brazilian coaches. I am not against having a foreign coach, but my preference is for the national team coach, especially, to be Brazilian. I won’t apologize for something I didn’t say.’ Oswaldo clarified that he considers the Italian as ‘the best coach in the world’ and also stated that it would be ‘impossible’ to be against foreign coaches in football, as he has already managed clubs in Qatar and Japan, and expressed his frustration over the criticisms faced by Brazilian coaches. ‘We, Brazilian coaches, have been heavily criticized and undervalued. Some things have happened that have disadvantaged our coaches. I find the criticisms largely unfounded in the face of a statement that is my conviction. These criticisms have been aggressive and derogatory. What’s the problem with me believing that the Brazilian national team should be led by a Brazilian coach?’ he questioned.