Following a run of disappointing performances, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) officially announced on Wednesday that Dorival Junior, a former manager of Sao Paulo, has been chosen coach of the Brazilian men’s national team.
The confederation stated in a statement that Dorival, whose selection to the position was originally made public by his old team on Sunday, would be officially introduced on Thursday at CBF headquarters in Rio de Janeiro.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.
Who is Dorival Jr., the candidate expected to lead Brazil’s workforce?
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 last World Cup victory in 2002.
The 61-year-old veteran guided Flamengo to the 2022 Copa do Brasil and Copa Libertadores, the South American version of Europe’s Champions League. He also managed Sao Paulo to the Copa do Brasil championship last year.
He is scheduled to make his debut in March during Brazil’s friendly against England and Spain.
Dorival takes over during a challenging time in Brazilian football history.
The “Selecao” has been beset by injuries, most notably that of star player Neymar, who suffered a damaged knee ligament during a 2-0 defeat to Uruguay in October and is likely to be out for many months.
As of right now, Brazil has the last automatic qualification slot from South America for the 2026 World Cup.
A lengthy legal struggle over the CBF’s leadership has been going on in the background. A Supreme Court judge this week restored 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.