Brazil have appointed local football veteran Dorival Junior as new head coach of Brazil national team after Carlo Ancelotti’s snub, LCSoccerHub Reports.
We reported earlier that Brazil Football Federation President Ednaldo Rodriguez had sacked interim manager Fernando Diniz just a day after Brazil Supreme Court confirmed him as the Brazil Football Federation President.
Ednaldo Rodriguez parted ways with Fernando Diniz following Brazil’s dismal run in 2026 World Cup qualifiers. Despite taking up the role on interim basis, it is believed Diniz would have been allowed to continue as Brazil manager had he impress on the role as his primed successor, Carlo Ancelotti, penned down a new contract with Real Madrid.
With a dismal World Cup qualifiers campaign which reached sore points with a first home defeat to Argentina, the Fluminense manager and 2023 Copa Libertadore winner was certainly set to be axed with Dorival Junior emerging as a potent alternative.
According to Fabrizio Romano, Dorival Junior, 61, has signed contract with the Selecao as new manager until 2026 following the sack of Diniz. Dorival will lead Brazil through the remaining CONMEBOL 2026 World Cup qualifiers and 2024 Copa America which kicks off on June 21, 2024. He also be incharge of the team in 2026 World Cup.
🚨🇧🇷 Dorival Júnior signs in as new Brazil head coach on contract valid until 2026 World Cup.
Despite São Paulo proposal to sign new deal, he decided to accept the Seleçao job. pic.twitter.com/CCWat6Q6Fo
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 8, 2024
Who is Dorival Junior?
Dorival Junior is a revered Brazilian football manager and former player. He is known for his giant strides in Brazilian football.
The Aquararia-born tactician is the first Brazil manager to win Copa do Brasil with three different clubs – Flamengo, Santos, and Sao Paulo. He has also won South American club competition, Copa Libertadore, with Flamengo.
The former Internacional manager has coached over 20 different clubs since he began his managerial career in 2002. The Brazil job will be his first stint as a national team manager.
The sexagenarian led Sao Paulo to 2023 Copa do Brasil trophy and was offered a new contract by the club but he turned it down to take up the Brazil job.
