The new coach of the Brazilian national soccer team has been decided, but we are still waiting for an official announcement from the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). 61-year-old coach Dorival Junior, who is leaving São Paulo, will be appointed as Canarinha’s new coach. He replaces Fernando Diniz, who was sacked last Friday. The appointment comes after Carlo Ancelotti, CBF president Edonardo Rodriguez’s first choice, recently renewed his contract with Real Madrid until 2026.
Dorival Junior takes Brazil job in Ancelotti’s absence
São Paulo itself announced via its social media channels the departure of Dorival Junior to take over as coach of the Brazilian national team. “São Paulo Football Club announces the departure of coach Dorival Junior, who has tendered his resignation to take charge of the Brazilian national team,” the club said in a post.
“This is the realization of a personal dream, made possible only because of the recognition of my achievements in São Paulo. For this reason, I must thank the Presidency and the Board of Directors for their participation in this important period of reconstruction under their able leadership. Thanks to infrastructure investment and planning over the past few years, the club is ready to welcome the most qualified professionals on the market. I would also like to thank all the fans for their love and support.” Mr. Dorival declared in a statement released by São Paulo.
São Paulo President Julio Casares also had some words.
“The invitation to Mr. Dorival is further evidence that we are on the right path. In 2021, the CBF has already approached Muricy Ramalho, who will remain in São Paulo until the end of my administration. Now it’s Dorival’s turn. Dorival had offered to rework his contract with São Paulo and extend it until the end of his term in 2026, which would have guaranteed stability. All that’s left to do is wish him luck in his new challenge. ”
Who is Dorival?
Dorival is a highly respected coach in Brazil. He has had a rich career as a manager since 2002. He went on to become manager of Brazil’s top teams, including Cruzeiro, Santos, Vasco da Gama, Internacional, Atlético Mineiro, Flamengo, Fluminense, Palmeiras, Atlético Paranaense, and São Paulo. His most recent spell at Sao Paulo, having been in charge in 2017 and 2018, began last April when he replaced manager Rogelio Ceni. He leaves the team after winning the Copa do Brasil.
The pinnacle of Dorival’s coaching career came in 2022. He led Flamengo to victory in the Copa Libertadores. He won the Recopa Sudamericana with Internacional in 2011, the Serie B with Vasco in 2009, the Copa do Brasil with Santos in 2010 and the Copa do Brasil in 2022 with Flamengo.
