Football Update: Brazil Get New Coach
After their failure to make a real impact at World cup that ended in South Africa earlier in the month, South American power house Brazil, has decided to appoint a new coach, and the incumbent has had considerable experience of domestic football in the country.
Mano Menezes, who is considered by football experts in the soccer mad nation, a specialist in leading big clubs out of the doldrums made the announcement on Saturday that he was set to take over the reins of the national team after accepting an offer from local football federation.
Despite being little-known outside his own country, Menezes had had a real impact in the national football scene.
The details of the contract offered to him have not been made public yet, but it seems that the two parties, Menezes and the Brazilian Soccer Confederation did not have any major concerns with regards to the deal, which was worked out without any hassles.
The 48-year-old is currently coaching Sao Paulo-based club Corinthians, is excited to take up the opportunity which was originally turned down by Fluminense's Muricy Ramalho on Friday.
Ramalho had to let go of the opportunity after his club refused to release him, adding that they wanted him to see out his contract which runs until 2012.
Menezes made the announcement after supervising a training session with his club,
"For the whole of Brazil, I say that I officially accept the invitation from (CBF) President Ricardo Teixeira," he told reporters
Menezes rose to prominence some five years ago, when he took former South American champions Gremio out of the second division.
Three years later, he joined his current club and made an immediate impression, taking the hugely popular team out of doldrums.
Under Menezes, Corinthians have won the famed Copa Brasil, he also succeeded in roping in two legendary players in their history World Cup winners Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos.
The duo was there at the press conference, paying rich tribute to the new national coach adding that he was the man who can take the team forward.
Menezes meanwhile has labelled the task the greatest challenge of his career.
"I have the attitude of not running from important invitations -- to accept them as great challenges because I believe that all the time during our work, we have been preparing ourselves for more important and greater posts. This is the greatest post of all,” he said.
On the other hand, Corinthians President Andres Sanches bid Menezes farewell declaring him a hero of the club, besides thanking him for his special work with them.
"(I wish him) to be very happy and I hope he knows that Corinthians, whether I am in the presidency or not, will always have the doors open (for him). I know he will take with him the love, respect and loyalty that Corinthians fans have for our professionals, especially the ones on his level. So, thank you (referring to Menezes) very much, may God be with you and let's win the game tomorrow otherwise I won't let you go. And let's move on with life," he said.
The task of making the South Americans the world champions for the sixth time is going to be the real challenge for Menezes, as the next edition of the tournament is set to be hosted by the South Americans.
With the passion for the game in the country, any thing less than the trophy would be simply unacceptable for the fans, especially as they host tournament in 2014.
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