Who’s Gonna Take The Brazilian Hot Seat?

The most stressful job on the planet is about to get a new holder.  The CBF has promised that the new Brazilian coach will be appointed by the end of the week. A rebuild is necessary for the Seleção: new players, maybe a new tactical approach to the game. The man in charge will have to take harsh criticism and deal with the demands for a world title, playing at home in 2014. Many names have been linked to this prestigious job. Some of them are not well known outside Brazil, so I listed the favorites and some of the relevant information on them. Choose your favorite because I already have mine.

Luis Felipe Scolari

I did it once, I can do it again!

After a well paid exile in Uzbekistan, Felipão is back at the bench of his beloved Palmeiras.  He has the experience and the crowd stands by him. However, after two not so great gigs, in Chelsea and Bunyodkor, Big Phil’s return to his country was perhaps his only choice. Scolari is the person with more to lose if he accepts this job. He already has a World title and most people in Brazil put the 2002 team in an unreacheable pedestal. His image as a good tactical mind and a conciliator of great minds can quickly change after a couple of  bad results.

..

Vanderlei Luxemburgo

Double or nothing!

Well known outside Brazil for his short time spent in Madrid, Luxemburgo has already worked in the biggest clubs of Brazil. His tactical knowledge is always praised in his home country, where he holds a record 5 national championships. Lately, his star hasn’t shone so brightly, with allegations of gambling addiction hovering over his head. Having had an unsuccessful experience in the national squad, his name continues to be brought up among those who remember the good ol’ days.

The rule is: the referee's call is always a bad one.

Mano Menezes

The Corinthians’ coach doesn’t have any international experience. However, his tenure in the popular São Paulo club has been victorious. Born and raised in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul, the local Uruguayan and Argentinian influences are shown in his physical, defensive minded game. His shady connections may get him the job, but he is just not ready, yet.

..

..

Wearing his heart on his sleeve, the media loves him. Especially after a loss.

Muricy Ramalho

After three titles in a row with São Paulo, Muricy’s star faded in Palmeiras. He is now trying to get back on his feet in Rio. His temper does not help his cause for he presents an unfitting attitude for a job this big. Tactically stubborn, he would have to change lots of things to make his beloved 3-5-2 work in the Seleção.

..

..

The best choice with his current boss

Paulo Autuori

A former Peruvian national coach, he has experience in South America, Portugal, Japan and the Middle East. He is famous for replacing coaches fired mid-term in Brazil. His South American titles with Cruzeiro and São Paulo, plus good work with Botafogo, add to his resume. Currently, he is making a lot of money in Qatar. Calm and with great knowledge of the game, he is my favorite for the gig.

..

..

Santana has his eye on the job

Joel Santana

The folkloric former South African coach is very popular in Rio. In Brazil, we say that he talks the same ‘language’ as the players, hence his popularity among them and the public. Apart from that, he is not the greatest of coaches. For Joel, his name being in the mix can be considered a prize for his work in some Brazilian big clubs.

..

..

..

Always classy Leonardo

Leonardo

Still undecided if he wants to be a coach or a GM, Leonardo’s name is brought up more because of his finesse and less because of his coaching skills. He had a bitter-sweet experience in Milan, no one could do a lot better than he did. I wonder if he was really the coach of that team, or just a puppet from master Berlusconi.

..

..

I wonder what he is so happy about....

Carlos Alberto Parreira

Well, when you talk of renewal, new faces or new man for the job, the last thing you want is an old coach back. Somehow, Parreira is always in the mix when it comes to the Seleção, and he should be confirmed soon as a General Manager for the National Team. He has the experience, but his name is still linked with the 2006 debacle, which is not a good memory for Brazilan fans.

..

..

Maybe after 2014, his time will come.

Dorival Junior

Junior is probably the best coach for young players nowadays. After two good seasons (with Coritiba and Vasco), Santos hired him to lead a young and very talented squad. He won some titles and has the right temper. However, some tactical flaws still prevent him from taking this giant leap.

..

..

Looking for a job!

Adilson Batista

The former Cruzeiro coach is one of the best new names. Currently unemployed, after a long tenure in Minas Gerais, Adilson has yet to accomplish something at the greater level in Sao Paolo or in Rio to be taken seriously for a job this big.

..

..

Soon to be unemployed!

Ricardo Gomes

He has had some international experience, coaching clubs in France, between jobs in Brazil. However, his name is in the mix because someone at the CBF likes him. His contract with São Paulo expires soon and has not yet been renewed, which indicates he would be free to take the job.

..

..

And who is the man that chooses the coach?  Well, that would be:

He better think this one through....

Ricardo Teixeira

João Havelange’s ex-son in law, he has been the head of Brazilian football since 1989. He is certainly the type of person people would rather have on their side, due to his power. Even Brazilian Presidents have found that out. Allegations of corruption never stick to him, and he is always quiet when confronted with the lack of stars and money in the Brazilian League. Making most of the decisions alone, he has already announced that the new coach will not split duties between any club and the National Team. He also guaranteed that the new man will have time to work and that he expects nothing less than a title in 2014. Sure, like that’s so easy.

If you’re the gambling type, there are plenty of choices.  So, take your pick.

Soon enough we will know who will sit in the hot seat.