Following a run of disappointing performances, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) officially announced on Wednesday that Dorival Junior, the former manager of Sao Paulo, has been named coach of the Brazilian men’s national team.
The confederation said in a statement that Dorival, whose selection to the position was originally made public by his old team on Sunday, will be formally introduced on Thursday at CBF headquarters in Rio de Janeiro.
The duration of his contract was not specified by the CBF. According to reports in Brazilian media, it would last until the 2026 World Cup.
He takes over for fellow Brazilian Fernando Diniz, who was fired last Friday after serving in the role on an interim basis from July 2023.
The “Selecao” had suffered three successive defeats in World Cup qualifying under Diniz, including a devastating 1-0 home setback to bitter rivals Argentina in November.
Supporters are hoping that Dorival can bring back the magic that Brazil has mostly been unable to reproduce since their final World Cup victory in 2002.
In addition to coaching Sao Paulo to the Copa do Brasil title last year, the 61-year-old veteran also guided Flamengo to the Copa Libertadores, the South American version of Europe’s Champions League, and the Copa do Brasil in 2022.
He is scheduled to make his debut in March during Brazil’s friendly against England and Spain.
Dorival takes over at a challenging time in Brazilian football history.
A number of ailments have plagued the “Selecao,” most notably the departure of star player Neymar, who is anticipated to be out for months after suffering a damaged knee ligament in a 2-0 loss to Uruguay in October.
As of right now, Brazil has the final automatic qualification slot from South America for the 2026 World Cup.
A lengthy legal battle over the CBF’s leadership has been going on in the background. A Supreme Court judge this week reinstated Ednaldo Rodrigues, the organization’s president, after he was removed from office in December due to a court order.
Meanwhile, Rodrigues’ attempt to get Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti as Brazil’s coach failed when the Italian extended his contract with the Spanish powerhouse.
AFP