KOLKATA, Oct 2 (Reuters) - Brazil ⁠received a warm welcome from fans in Kolkata ahead of Saturday's friendly with India, and ⁠manager Carlo Ancelotti wants to showcase an entertaining game for the supporters that matches ‌the festive occasion.

Brazil and their rivals Argentina both have large dedicated fanbases in the soccer-mad East Indian city, where the fans' love for the flamboyant brilliance of South American football goes back decades.

Entire neighbourhoodsare draped in Brazil and Argentina colours during ​the World Cup, and the Salt Lake Stadium had sold-out ⁠crowds of more than 60,000 when Argentina ⁠played a friendly here in 2011, and Brazil competed in the U-17 World Cup six years later.

"We ⁠know ‌how this region loves the national team... we are happy to be here to play against India," Ancelotti told reporters on Friday, a day after throngs of fans welcomed the ⁠team at the airport.

"All these games... are good preparation and a ​good opportunity to show what ‌we can do.

"I would like the players to enjoy themselves, to play with happiness in ⁠every game. You ​want to play with joy."

'A WAY OF THANKING THE INDIAN PEOPLE'

India, 138th in the world rankings, are the lowest-ranked opponents five-time world champions Brazil have faced since 1998, when they played 185th-ranked Andorra.

But captain Marquinhos said the ⁠match was also a way to thank Brazil's supporters in ​India.

"Of course, the focus is always very much on playing well and winning the match, but being here is also a way of thanking the Indian people for their support and for following the Brazilian ⁠national team all these years, throughout its history," he said.

"This is also the second-largest group of supporters of the national team outside Brazil, so it’s a pleasure and an honour."

Brazil, who are coming off a 1-1 draw and a 4-2 win in two friendlies with Australia, are building up a new ​generation of players that can bring the World Cup back to the ⁠country for the first time since 2002.

"Other teams have improved a lot," said Ancelotti.

"In my personal opinion, ​the talent Brazil was able to show in 2002 was big ‌talent. Football has changed. There is more teamwork ​now."

Ancelottisaid Saturday's match will be another chance for him to try out new players.

"It's not a test, but an opportunity," he said.

(Reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in KolkataEditing by Christian Radnedge)