Former Copa Libertadores winning coach Dorival Junior appointed as new Brazil manager

Dorival Junior, a Copa Libertadores and Brazilian Cup winner as manager of Flamengo, has been named as Brazil manager, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said on Wednesday.

The 61-year-old will take the reins after a turbulent period following their 2022 World Cup exit following a penalty shoot-out loss to Croatia, which led to the sacking of coach Tite.

Brazil were led by Under-20 coach Ramon Menezes before the appointment on an interim basis of Fernando Diniz last year.

Diniz was sacked on Friday, a day after Ednaldo Rodrigues was reinstated as head of the CBF following his dismissal in early December by the Rio de Janeiro Court of Justice.

Rodrigues' intention was to hire Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti. But after negotiations failed the latter opted to extend his contract with Real Madrid and Dorival emerged as the main candidate.

"Dorival Junior is the new coach of the men's national team.