Brazil is expected to begin their search for Tite’s successor immediately and decide whether they will pick a homegrown or foreign manager.
Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) should have enough time to start their selection for Adenor ‘Tite’ Bacchi who has determined to end his reign with Selecao after six years being in charge of Neymar and Co. His early decision came as a surprise given that the Qatar 2022 final round is still nine months away. Apart from the remaining ambition to win the World Cup after clinching all titles in his career, there has been no further confirmation of the reason.
Such an early announcement may not be necessary because it may demoralize rather than motivate the team. There have been numerous instances of similar cases. Head coaches who do this are more likely to fail to lift the trophy at the end of the tournament, such as Gerardo Martino with Paraguay in the Copa America in 2011, Alejandro Sabella with Argentina in the World Cup in 2014, and Joachim Low with Germany in EURO 2020.
The full impact of Tite’s premature statement may not be known for some time. However, the question for his successor now is slowly moving forward and CBF must make up their mind regarding the candidates.
Tite’s Successor After World Cup 2022 Could be a Foreign Manager
The Limited Notable Homegrown Managers
When it comes to appointing national team manager, a football nation like Brazil is unlikely to name the foreign boss. Thus, a native profile might be prioritised.
However, CBF has been concerned about the relatively small pool of notable native head coaches in recent years. Despite Brazilian sides dominance in Copa Libertadores in the past decade – with seven victories since 2011, apart from Tite himself who won the title in 2012, only a few names have been tipped. They are Renato Gaucho and Muricy Ramalho who led Gremio and Santos to a triumphant campaign in 2017 and 2011 respectively. There is actually another name winning the title in 2013 with Atletico Mineiro, Cuca. Unfortunately, his serious criminal record in the past is bound to rule him out of the race.
Renato Gaucho seems to be the most likely candidate. He brought Gremio to clinch the Copa Libertadores title in 2017 and reach the final last year with Flamengo. The manager whose full name is Renato Portaluppi also guided Gremio to win Recopa Sundamericana 2018, which is equal to European Super Cup. He is currently unattached after his unsatisfactory stint at the helm of David Luiz and Co. Meanwhile, Muricy Ramalho who had been offered the position in 2010 is highly unlikely to be reconsidered due to his health issue.
The other Brazilian-born figures who deserve to be shortlisted are Rogerio Micale and Andre Jardine. They both were the head coach of Selecao U23 when they won a gold medal at the Olympic 2016 and 2021 consecutively. However, their lack of experience in leading the senior level might be the reason they are not widely exposed by the media.
The Impressive Foreign Candidates
With such limited options, it would not be surprise if CBF turns to the foreign names as Tite’s successor. In fact, they already have.
Back in November 2021, the current Barcelona manager, Xavi Hernandez, revealed his contacts with CBF, which Tite confirmed. He stated this during his first press conference in Camp Nou.
“We were having talks with the Brazilian federation. The idea was to be an assistant to [coach] Tite and to take over the squad after the Qatar World Cup, but my desire was to come to Barcelona.”
Such harsh reality might push Brazil to consider two names who have been the key man behind Brazilian club’s dominance in Copa Libertadores for the past three years, Jorge Jesus and Abel Braga. The former led Flamengo to victory in 2019 while the latter lifted the trophy in the last two seasons with Palmeiras. These two Portuguese manager should be the ideal replacement for Tite, especially Jorge Jesus. He had been at the helm of Benfica in two stints and won notable accolades. He is recently without the contract with any clubs.
In the Brazilian football history, there had only been three foreign managers taking charge of Selecao, Ramon Platero of Uruguay in 1925, Portuguese boss Joreca in 1944 and Argentine Filpo Nunez in 1965. Yet, only Platero had a chance to lead Brasil in Copa America 1925 while the other two were only tasked to guide Selecao in friendly matches.
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