subject: Road to Brazil 2014 – CBF signs Mano Menezes to replace Dunga [print this page] The Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) announced on Friday 23rd that they had arrived to an agreement with Luiz Antonio Venker Menezes, popularly know as Mano, to take charge of the men's National team for the next four years, when the World Cup will be held in Brazil. The coach not only faces the challenge of winning the title in this event, but also to bring the eye-catching game style back to the team, something that was completely lost during Dunga's era.
Mano Menezes is a 48 year-old-coach who was the second option to occupy the charge. Muricy Ramalho from Fluminense was the federation's first choice, but his club refused to rescind his contract. Fortunately for Mano, Corinthians didn't put any obstacle on his way to become the new National team coach, despite the good results that were being accomplished under his orders.
With just 13 years of experience and a resume that includes seven titles, even though none of them a major one, the doors of the biggest opportunity that any Brazilian coach could wish for have been opened for him. Ricardo Teixeira, president of the CBF, said the balance found in Mano's trajectory, where he has made good use of the opportunities, make him confident that Mano can lead them through an immediate renovation after the recent South Africa 2010 World Cup failure.
He is a coach that analyzes even the smallest of the details, paying all of his attention to the mistakes committed on previous games and the adversaries, trying to workout a solution. This style will be combined with the skill of some of the best players of the world, with the goal of proving themselves as the number one. Mano said that there is "no doubt, this is an unique opportunity."
"The team that I put on the field is that team that I want to put on the field. If the teams looses, I go home with a calm conscience. This is how I conduct myself and it is how I will conduct in the National team"
Being the second option was not a problem for him, since he sees it as an opportunity that may not happen again. He said that he is "very happy and proud of accepting a job with such responsibility".
Great expectation
When a new cycle begins, new faces come along, and the hopes and dreams of many players bloom with it. The friendly game that will be played against United States, in New Jersey, on August 10th feeds even more the aspirations of many rookies, since many players from the past national team will not be called to participate, giving them more possibilities to take one of the 24 spots.
This is the chance that young stars from Santos, Neymar and Ganso, have been awaiting, after the disappointment of not making it into the final list of the 23 players that went to South Africa 2010. But not only young players are anxious, also Roberto Carlos, the 37 year old left wingback from Corinthians, who has been playing at a great level lately. One thing is guaranteed, they all start from scratch.
Road to Brazil 2014 CBF signs Mano Menezes to replace Dunga
