After a disappointing 2022, Brazil are on the lookout for a new manager to lead them forward in 2023 and beyond.
The Selecao went to the recent World Cup in Qatar as the highest-ranked nation but were knocked out on penalties in the quarterfinals by Croatia.
Brazil will now go at least 24 years between World Cup crowns as pressure mounts on the team to reclaim the famous trophy.
A lot of that pressure will land at the feet of whoever becomes their next full-time coach in the wake of Tite’s exit.
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Why did Tite leave Brazil?
Following six years in charge, Tite stepped down as Brazil head coach after their World Cup exit in December 2022.
The Brazilian always intended on leaving his role at the end of the tournament regardless of the result.
“As I said, my cycle is over. I said it over a year and a half ago. I’m a man of my word,” Tite said following the loss to Croatia.
Next Brazil manager candidates
Since Tite’s departure, Brazil’s Under-20 coach Ramon Menezes has been confirmed as the senior side’s interim coach.
The 50-year-old has been coaching since 2015, exclusively in Brazil, but is unlikely to become the national team’s permanent manager based on his limited experience.
A report from ESPN Brazil in February 2023 claimed that Carlo Ancelotti had agreed to become Brazil boss and will leave Real Madrid at the end of this season.
The Brazilian Football Confederation denied the speculation, however, stating: “We can deny any agreement reached with Ancelotti. We suggest to leave the speculation — we will decide and then announce our new head coach at the right moment.”
Prior to Ancelotti’s name being mentioned, there were also rumours Brazil were interested in signing Jose Mourinho, while Pep Guardiola has previously been touted as a possible choice. According to The Mirror, Brazil great Ronaldo asked Guardiola’s agent and brother, Pere, whether he would have any interest in the job, but the Manchester City manager remains committed to the English club for now.
▪️ Pep Guardiola
▪️ Carlo Ancelotti
▪️ Jose MourinhoRonaldo has named 3️⃣ managers he would like to see succeed Tite as Brazil manager 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/EtovGQJheA
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) December 12, 2022
Palmeiras head coach Abel Ferreira has also been linked with the job, although he is reportedly focused on his work with the Brazilian club. Fenerbahce’s Jorge Jesus is another whose name continues to crop up.
Tite record as Brazil manager
Whoever does become Brazil’s next coach has some big shoes to fill.
Despite Tite’s failure to win a World Cup, he oversaw a successful period in charge of the Selecao that saw him lose just seven of his 81 matches at the helm.
Brazil also managed to win the 2019 Copa America with Tite as manager and his side averaged more than two goals a game during his reign.
| Games | Wins | Draws | Losses | GF | GA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 81 | 61 | 13 | 7 | 180 | 37 |
World Cup coaches fired
As is often the case, the 2022 World Cup cost plenty of managers their jobs as some left by choice and others were given their marching orders.
Like Tite, Louis van Gaal departed the Netherlands of his own volition.
Other departures included: Fernando Santos (Portugal), Paulo Bento (South Korea), Luis Enrique (Spain), Otto Addo (Ghana), Roberto Martinez (Belgium) and Gerardo Martino (Mexico).