In the quiet space before Brazil’s 4-0 friendly win in India on Saturday, Vikash Dhorasoo found an hour that may matter more than the scoreline. Fresh from earning his UEFA Pro Licence, the former France international met Carlo Ancelotti privately as he shapes his own route into management.
Key takeaways
- Dhorasoo travelled to India as an ambassador at the invitation of the country’s football federation.
- The 52-year-old recently completed his UEFA Pro Licence in Italy.
- He spent nearly an hour speaking with Brazil head coach Carlo Ancelotti on the eve of Saturday’s friendly.
- Dhorasoo was also welcomed into a Brazil training session and received a detailed explanation of Ancelotti’s work.
- The former midfielder is already working as an assistant coach at Paris 13 Atlético in Ligue 3.
Ancelotti meeting offers a coaching lesson
Dhorasoo, capped 18 times by France and a 2006 World Cup finalist, used the international break to seek advice from a manager he knows well. Ancelotti coached him at AC Milan during the 2004-05 season and is now in charge of the Brazilian national team.
With his grandparents originating from India, Dhorasoo was given privileged access during his visit. He contacted Ancelotti by text message, and the Brazilian coach invited his former player to meet him at the team hotel before the match.
“As I build my project, I try to take every chance to make it better,” Dhorasoo said. “He told me to come to the hotel the day before the game. We spoke and spent almost an hour together.”
The conversation moved between their shared memories, Dhorasoo’s questions and Ancelotti’s guidance. For a former midfielder now aiming to take charge of a side in his own right, it was a valuable audience with one of the game’s most experienced coaches.
Inside Brazil’s camp
Dhorasoo was not limited to the hotel meeting. He was invited to watch Brazil train, gaining a close view of the preparation behind the Seleção’s 4-0 victory in Saturday’s friendly.
“He spent more time explaining the session to me than he did with his players,” Dhorasoo said, describing the occasion as “a magical moment”.
Having joined the Paris 13 Atlético staff as an assistant last year, Dhorasoo sees the India trip as part of a wider development process rather than a ceremonial visit. “It is hugely important for the course I am now completing,” he said. “I hope it will take me to the highest level.”
