Brazil Appoint New Coach

The incredibly poisoned chalice of guiding Brazil into the World Cup they will host has fallen on Mario Menezes. The 48-year-old had been managing the Sau Paolo club Corinthians but is not believed to have been the first choice of the Brazilian Football Confederation’s (CBF). Fluminense refused to release their coach Muricy Ramalho, whose contract is due to expire in 2012, forcing the CBF to turn to Menezes.

Previous coach Dunga was predictably sacked after Brazil lost 2-1 to the Dutch in South Africa. He had been  criticised for leaving behind famous players like Ronaldinho and Roberto Carlos, and rising stars such as Neymar and Ganso; as well as for adopting a more physical and defensive style of play.

A statement on the Brazilian Football Confederation’s (CBF) website said: “Mano Menezes was one of a shortlist of three coaches and had his name ratified after a conversation with (CBF President) Ricardo Teixeira, where he showed himself to be comfortable with the rebuilding project drawn up by the CBF for the 2014 World Cup.”

As hosts, Brazil will not be playing any qualifiers.

“I have the honour to inform you that I was approached by the Brazilian Football Confederation to take over the post of national team coach,” Menezes told a news conference at the Sao Paulo headquarters of Corinthians.

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