Scolari returns as Brazilian coach
Source: Agencies |
November 30, 2012, Friday
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Print Edition
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LUIZ Felipe Scolari took over as the coach of 2014 World Cup host Brazil yesterday, returning for a second stint to lead his country's bid to win a sixth world title on home soil in little more than 18 months' time.
The man known as Felipao (Big Phil), who led Brazil to its fifth and last World Cup win in 2002, was officially presented by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) at a news conference in Rio de Janeiro, replacing Mano Menezes who was sacked last Friday.
Carlos Alberto Parreira, who led Brazil to its fourth world title in 1994, was named as technical director as the CBF tried to turn back the clock.
Scolari, 64, said he was ready for the challenge of dealing with the pressure and expectation of his 190 million compatriots.
"I feel more motivated, younger. I feel I'm capable," he told the news conference. "We have the obligation to win the title; we are not favorites at the moment but we intend to become favorites during the competition. Third or fourth place is no good for a country that has won five World Cups."
The unveiling of Scolari and Parreira comes two days before the draw for the next year's Confederations Cup, also to be hosted in Brazil, in Sao Paulo.
Scolari's first game in charge is scheduled to be a friendly away to England in February.
The decision to bring him back sparked differing responses from former stars, including Zico and Carlos Alberto.
Zico, who on Wednesday resigned as coach of the Iraqi national team blaming a dispute over his contract, favored the move.
Former skipper Carlos Alberto, who lifted the 1970 World Cup after starring in the Pele-inspired 4-1 thrashing of Italy, struck a note of discord.
"I don't know that this is Felipao's moment. He won in 2002 - but that was 2002! This year he bombed out at Palmeiras."
Brazil's vast and fickle army of supporters always expect it to win the World Cup and the pressure will be even greater as the country hosts the event.
The team's failure to win on home soil in 1950 still rankles and the members of that team were never wholly forgiven for losing the decisive match to Uruguay.
The man known as Felipao (Big Phil), who led Brazil to its fifth and last World Cup win in 2002, was officially presented by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) at a news conference in Rio de Janeiro, replacing Mano Menezes who was sacked last Friday.
Carlos Alberto Parreira, who led Brazil to its fourth world title in 1994, was named as technical director as the CBF tried to turn back the clock.
Scolari, 64, said he was ready for the challenge of dealing with the pressure and expectation of his 190 million compatriots.
"I feel more motivated, younger. I feel I'm capable," he told the news conference. "We have the obligation to win the title; we are not favorites at the moment but we intend to become favorites during the competition. Third or fourth place is no good for a country that has won five World Cups."
The unveiling of Scolari and Parreira comes two days before the draw for the next year's Confederations Cup, also to be hosted in Brazil, in Sao Paulo.
Scolari's first game in charge is scheduled to be a friendly away to England in February.
The decision to bring him back sparked differing responses from former stars, including Zico and Carlos Alberto.
Zico, who on Wednesday resigned as coach of the Iraqi national team blaming a dispute over his contract, favored the move.
Former skipper Carlos Alberto, who lifted the 1970 World Cup after starring in the Pele-inspired 4-1 thrashing of Italy, struck a note of discord.
"I don't know that this is Felipao's moment. He won in 2002 - but that was 2002! This year he bombed out at Palmeiras."
Brazil's vast and fickle army of supporters always expect it to win the World Cup and the pressure will be even greater as the country hosts the event.
The team's failure to win on home soil in 1950 still rankles and the members of that team were never wholly forgiven for losing the decisive match to Uruguay.
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