Big Phil might have another swing at the Brazil job
The manager who led Brazil to their 2002 World Cup title (that seems to last century to most Brazilians), managed to coax the always underwhelming Portugese to a Euro finals in 2004, and two years later led them to the semi-finals in the 2006 World Cup is the frontrunner for the Brazilian job.
He has also reconnected with Brazilian football after almost eight years in Europe with his decision to join Palmeiras as their new coach once the World Cup is over.
As a commentator for this World Cup he has a unique vantage point – getting first hand impressions of who he can retain for the 2014 World Cup squad from the present team.
Apart from his winning resume with national teams he is also the fan favourite for the national job. A Globesporte poll showed 46% of Brazilians want him back leading other candidates mentioned- Mano Menezes (Corinthians), Ricardo Gomes (Sao Paulo), Muricy Ramalho (Fluminese) and Leonardo, who recently left AC Milan.
Mano Menezes of Corinthians is the manager most likely to challenge him for the position. He has made a career of bringing up clubs from relegation with Gremio in 2005 and Corinthians in 2008. Menezes is under contract till 2011 which he is unlikely to give up according to sources.
A few points noted: Big Phil’s 2002 squad’s average age was 26 years while Dunga’s 2010 class was 29 years. If Big Phil does become the manager, he will go for a younger Brazil- one which might sport Ramires, Neymar, and Paulo Henrique Ganso.
Brazil’s test will begin soon. They meet USA in a friendly on August 10th. Previously, this would be dismissed as a warm up but with the USA making such a serious statement this will be a gut check in the post Dunga era.