Dorival Junior was named head coach of the Brazil men’s national team on Thursday, and he pledged to turn the squad’s fortunes around following a string of bad defeats in South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Former Sao Paulo coach Fernando Diniz was fired and has signed a deal till December 2026.
Is Dorival Jr the solution to Brazil’s problems?
“Today, I am here to represent the world’s most successful team, one that inspires people all over the world.” And it owes it to win again,” Dorival said during a press conference.
“This is a terrible time for us. But nothing that can’t be reversed swiftly.”
The five-time world champions have been in turmoil since being eliminated in the quarter-finals of the 2022 World Cup.
Tite was fired as a result of the penalty shootout defeat to Croatia.
Before the temporary hiring of Diniz last year, Brazil was led by Under-20 coach Ramon Menezes.
They have lost three of their six qualifiers so far, while winning just two. They are sixth in the rankings, eight points behind leaders and World Cup holders Argentina.
when unsuccessful discussions to manage the South American team, Dorival emerged as the top contender for the post when Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti extended his contract with Real Madrid.
“No one is to blame.” There is no interruption, nothing of the kind. “What we need to do now is look for solutions,” Dorival, 61, said.
“We must deliver a dependable national team that gives us all credibility.” Brazilian football is tremendously powerful, and it constantly reinvents itself. It can’t go through what it’s going through right now. Allow it to serve as a lesson so that we may chart a new course.”
On March 23, Dorival will take command of a friendly against England.