The Brazilian Football Confederation has dismissed coach Dorival Junior in the aftermath of Tuesday’s embarrassing 4-1 loss to rivals Argentina.
The defending World Champions thrashed the five-time World champions in Buenos Aires, handing them their biggest loss in qualifiers, even without the services of their captain Lionel Messi.
The Brazilian Football Confederation had previously considered Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti and Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola as potential replacements for former head coach Tite, whom they fired following a disappointing 2022 World Cup.
Dorival Junior was appointed as the new head coach in January 2024, following successful stints at Brazilian clubs Sao Paolo and Flamengo, where he won the Copa Libertadores and the Brazilian Cup.
In a statement released on Friday following meeting between the CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues and Dorival Junior, the 62-year old was relieved of his duties after just over a year in charge.
“The Brazilian Football Confederation announces that coach Dorival Júnior will no longer be in charge of the Brazilian National Team.
The board thanks the professional and wishes him success in his continued career. From now on, the CBF will work to find a replacement.”, the CBF said.
The former Flamengo head coach departs the national team after a turbulent spell with seven wins, seven draws and two defeats in his 16 matches in charge.
He also led Brazil to a disappointing quarterfinal exit at the 2024 Copa America, where they were defeated by Uruguay on penalties.
Brazil currently occupy the fourth position in Conmebol World cup qualifying with 21 points with four matches left, and will need to win their remaining games to secure an automatic spot in next year’s showpiece event.
Al Hilal’s head coach Jorge Jesus and Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti who was previously linked to the job in 2023, have been identified as the leading candidates to replace Dorival Junior.
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