Brazilian Football Federation President José Maria Marin has decided to let go of the entire coaching staff of the national team. The decision was made after a meeting with CBF Team Dir Andrés Sanchez. The new coaching staff will be announced during the month of January (CBF). LANCE NET's Leo Burlá reported that the name of Pep Guardiola "is at the top of a list of favorites" for the job. However, the CBF "has yet to officially contact the coach or his representatives." The other candidates for the job, "in order," include Brazilians Tite, Abel Braga and Vanderlei Luxemburgo (LANCE NET, 11/24). In São Paulo, Martin Fernandez reported that by firing Menezes, Marin "went against the advice that he received." After the meeting with Marin, Sanchez said, "The seleção is not only picking players. It's everything: logistics, planning, where it's heading, how it will train." The president believed it was time for a change. We respect his decision" (FOLHA DE SAO PAULO, 11/25). The AFP wrote that Menezes "was sensationally sacked" as coach of five-time world champions Brazil. During his time as coach of the national team, he oversaw 20 wins, six draws and five defeats. His job had been "on the line" since Brazil's latest attempt to win Olympic Gold ended in a 2-1 loss to underdogs Mexico at Wembley in August (AFP, 11/24).
