The Brazilian Football Confederation officially announced Luiz Felipe Scolari as the head coach of the national team, according to Alliatti & Seda of GLOBO ESPORTE. Former Brazil Manager Carlos Alberto Parreira was also confirmed as the new technical director. CBF President José Maria Marin explained why he chose the pair and not Spaniard Pep Guardiola. Marin said, "I want to thank the people, that with the best of intentions, suggested a foreign coach. A foreign coach deserves our respect for quality and knowledge. I know him as coach of a club, and not a national team, which is totally different. This does not diminish the respect for this coach known internationally as a big time coach, and I endorse his qualities" (GLOBO ESPORTE, 11/29). FOLHA DE S. PAULO reported that in his first interview since being named coach of the Seleção, Scolari "showed he still has a sharp and provocative tongue." Scolari was questioned on the current inexperience of the team and the pressure the players will face playing a World Cup at home. In his response he brought up the bank that competes directly with national team sponsor Itaú. He said, "If they do not want pressure its better not to play in the Seleção. Go work for the Banco do Brasil, in an office" (FOLHA DE S. PAULO, 11/29).
