MX23RW : Monday, March 31 14:47:06| >> :120:15350:15350:

Brazil sack Dorival Junior as manager in 'talks' after Argentina defeat in World Cup qualifier

Manager in 'talks' with Brazil following sacking of Dorival Junior after defeat
© Imago
Brazil confirm that Dorival Junior is no longer the national team manager, with talks reportedly taking place with his successor.

Brazil have confirmed the exit of manager Dorival Junior following the nation's humiliation against Argentina in a World Cup qualifier.

Selecao were beaten 4-1 by Argentina on March 26 and were fortunate that their fierce rivals only scored four times given they created numerous chances in the final third.

Stars such as Vinicius Junior and Raphinha struggled to make an impact, with Brazil only mustering one shot on target in the entire game.

The match proved to be boss Dorival Junior's final match in charge, with the Brazilian football federation announcing his departure on Friday evening and confirming that they 'will work in search of a replacement.'

Early reports from Globo.com indicate that talks have taken place with Al-Hilal boss Jorge Jesus, but the Portuguese is said to be a backup option to Carlo Ancelotti.

AFC CHAMPIONS LEAGUE ELITE, AL RAYYAN FC V AL-HILAL SFC Al Hilal SFC head coach, Jorge Jesus reacts during the AFC Champions League elite west football match between Qatar s Al Rayyan SC and Saudi Arabia s Al-Hilal SFC at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium in Al Rayya© Imago

Should Brazil avoid Jesus and go for Ancelotti?

Real Madrid manager Ancelotti has long been linked with the Brazilian national team, and the Italian would almost certainly boost their chances of World Cup glory in 2026.

Ancelotti has a strong track record when it comes to getting the best out of a star-studded team, and his style of play has often been geared towards getting the best out of the attackers at his disposal.

Vinicius Junior could be the biggest beneficiary of his appointment given he has thrived under the 65-year-old in Spain, while Real and Brazil teammate Rodrygo would likely also benefit.

It should also be noted that Ancelotti boasts a formidable record in knockout competitions having won the Champions League five times, as well as six domestic cup competitions, and his experience could be vital at the next World Cup.

Though Ancelotti's contract with Los Blancos is set to expire in the summer of 2026, the Spanish side are rumoured to be eyeing Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso.

If Selecao appointed Jesus, it would not be surprising if they missed out on the opportunity to bring the Real Madrid manager into the fold.

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Written by
Lewis Nolan

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Vinicius Junior of Brazil during his national side's match against Argentina, on March 26, 2025
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