Sao Paulo have confirmed that their head coach Dorival Junior is leaving the club to take over as Brazil manager, after Carlo Ancelotti's snub.
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Dorival Junior becoming Brazil head coach Had been linked with Carlo Ancelotti Italian to remain at Real Madrid WHAT HAPPENED?
Sao Paulo issued a lengthy statement on Sunday confirming that Dorival Junior has resigned in order to take over as Brazil's boss. During his time with the club, he won the Copa do Brasil, and has also won silverware with Flamengo, Athletico Paranaense, Santos and Vasco da Gama. Ancelotti had been earmarked as one of Brazil's main targets but he has opted to remain at Real Madrid instead of taking charge of the Selecao.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT DORIVAL JUNIOR SAID
As per Sao Paulo's statement, he said: "It is the realization of a personal dream, which was only possible because I received recognition for the work carried out in Sao Paulo. That's why I have to thank you for being part of this important period of reconstruction, competently led by the presidency and the board. With the investment in infrastructure and planning in recent years, the Club is prepared to receive the most qualified professionals on the market. I would also like to thank the fans for all their love and support."
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Brazil are aiming to win their first trophy since 2019, when they lifted the Copa America. They have not won the World Cup since 2002, meaning they have now gone 22 years without winning football's biggest prize. They have not had such a drought since their barren spell between 1970 and 1994.
WHAT NEXT FOR BRAZIL?
They are scheduled to take on England on March 23 and will be in action in the Copa America this summer. Their next hope of World Cup glory comes in 2026.
