Brazil’s football confederation has dismissed coach Dorival Jr. after a 4-1 loss to Argentina. Dorival’s tenure included only seven wins in 16 matches, and he faced criticism for Brazil’s poor performance in qualifiers. The CBF is now seeking a successor, with Jorge Jesus emerging as a leading candidate.
Following a demoralizing 4-1 defeat to Argentina in a World Cup qualifying match, Brazil’s football confederation (CBF) has dismissed head coach Dorival Jr. Dorival, who took charge in January 2024, had a tumultuous stint having won only seven of his sixteen games. The CBF expressed gratitude towards Dorival for his contributions, acknowledging the necessity to search for a new leader for the national team.
Dorival previously enjoyed success with Flamengo and Sao Paulo, winning significant titles like the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian Cup. However, he struggled to resonate with Brazil’s passionate fanbase, particularly after a disappointing Copa America campaign that ended in a quarter-final elimination against Uruguay.
Despite uncertainties surrounding Dorival’s tenure, the CBF had initially planned to review the coaching situation following the upcoming qualifiers against Ecuador and Paraguay. The heavyweight defeat to Argentina prompted CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues to act swiftly, culminating in Dorival’s dismissal in light of the national team’s concerning performance record.
As speculation regarding his successor begins, reports indicate that Al Hilal’s Jorge Jesus is the frontrunner to take over. The ideal coaching candidate is still thought to be Carlo Ancelotti, presently contracted with Real Madrid until July 2026, with no signs of imminent departure.
Brazil’s recent qualifying campaigns have placed them in uncharacteristic positions, as they have yet to recover since a shocking exit in the 2022 World Cup. Brazil’s historical struggle has seen them experience one of their worst qualifying campaigns to date, standing fourth in the South American qualifiers and suffering unprecedented losses and defensive records. This includes conceding four goals in a qualifier for the first time and losing matches against teams such as Colombia and Senegal, marking a significant decline for the once-dominant football nation.
In summary, the Brazilian Football Confederation has parted ways with head coach Dorival Jr. following a disappointing 4-1 loss to Argentina, symbolizing an ongoing crisis within the national team. Despite previous successes at club levels, Dorival could not deliver satisfactory results, leading to his dismissal amid Brazil’s most challenging World Cup qualifying campaign. The search for a new coach begins as Brazil seeks to regain its former glory in national football.
Original Source: www.channelnewsasia.com