For the first time in history, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) is considering the possibility of signing a non Brazilian coach for the national team in replacement of Tite, who left his charge after Brazil’s elimination in the hands of Croatia through the penalties in the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
The decision is not easy at all, because it would break a long time tradition marking that it should be a Brazilian who leads the ‘Verdeamarela’ team.
But the lack of results for Brazil through the last 20 years encouraged the CBF to start considering a foreign ‘commander’ (such are the national team coaches called in Brazil) who understands the traits and peculiarities of the Brazilian people and football. Having Nike as an intermediary, the CBF knocked on the door of the one and only Pep Guardiola, and this is not the first time. But Guardiola renewed his contract with Manchester City, and is now fully focused on winning the Champions League. Tite had worked with Guardiola, studying his methods, and the relationship went perfectly.
Another name that flies on the radar is Manuel Pellegrini. Joachim Löw was definitely one of the most liked candidates in the Technical Committee, after the German showed a special sensitivity with the Brazilian people in 2014 after eliminating them, respecting the country's traditions.
Tite’s substitute will have to start the team's reconstruction based on a group of young players with great skill. Thiago Silva and Dani Alves have already said their farewell to the national team, despite the center back wanting to remain linked to the ‘Canarinha’ when he leaves his club.
One of the most heated debates throughout all Brazil to again call up full backs who have an offensive vocation, and who are not so tactically enclosed.
The future of Neymar also depends on what the CBF establishes as a long term project. Neymar has been a leader through the whole World Cup. During the extra time, he berated his teammates for going on the attack when it wasn’t necessary, and then came Croatia’s equalizer. Neymar remains bitter at not having been able to take a penalty in the final round and that it was Rodrygo who took the responsibility for the first penalty.
In any case, Neymar has to make a choice whether he continues in the national team or not. To play the next Copa America and head to the USA-Canada-Mexico World Cup, or fully concentrate on his club.
30-year-old Neymar still has a lot of football to contribute to Brazil, but he thinks he hasn’t been able to lead the ‘Canarinha’ to glory. His right ankle injury after the first game against Serbia clearly affected Neymar’s physical condition, who wanted to leave this World Cup as a champion, with a star destined for Pele's bib, the idol of Santos like him who suffers with the ‘seleçao’.
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