Muricy Ramalho or Mano Hired As Manager?

Wow, check out the list of Mano's squad, people! most from Brazil, but not all, and he's kept Robinho, Ramires and Dani Alves.

http://www.cbf.com.br/php/noticias.php?e=30&n=11663

Mano has just announced his first call-up list and it includes many Europe-based players, as well as Neymar and Ganso.

Quite an interesting list, overall.

It is a very interesting list. CBF and Mano managed to surprise us...I thought he was going to call up Brazil-based players only. A lot of new faces, but some of them have been playing in Europe for a while, so they should be used to playing at the high level. Well, Neymar and Ganso are selected, so a lot of fans should be happy. It is now up to them to show the world whether they deserve the selection or not.

I'm glad to see some old faces though. It is an interesting mix of players.

Tim Vickery's latest column on Menezes:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/timvickery/2010/07/menezes.html

Yes, typical CBF mismanagement on this one. I like Mano - he's both pragmatic and expansive and most of all, he's got a much better temperament than Dunga. Looking forward to seeing his Brazil-based squad for the 8/10 friendly.

As to this constant debate on this site re pragmatism v. jogo bonito (please stop calling it "joga" bonito") --

I really don't understand why people talk about this in polarized either/or fashion.

Of course we can no longer play like we did in 1982 (let alone 1962). The game has moved on. And it beggars belief that there are still people clamoring to include Roberto Carlos and Ronaldo in the national team, ffs! This is just unbelievable. Yeah that's right - I'm sure we'd win a world cup with 2 totally out of shape players in such key positions who are approaching 40 and who can no longer get into any top team in Europe.

The way some people here talk, you'd think that no football team on the planet wins trophies without "playing ugly". It's as if the only choice is between Mourinho and Bielsa.

Hello??? Ever hear of Alex Ferguson??? Ancelotti??? Club football has shown us that it is quite possible to win big trophies by playing entertaining, attacking, exciting football while having strong defenses. I really don't know why people have to see this issue in simple black-and-white terms.

I just read Mano's comments on Globo. He said that, while there's going to be a renewal, it will be slow and gradual. I like him so far :)

The list is out! 4 of them are from Dunga's Brazil (Robinho, Ramires, Daniel Alves, and Thiago Silva). Well, Neymar is on the list! What interesting is, some other Europe-based players are called as well, including Pato, Marcelo, Lucas, and Rafael. So, it is not entirely Brazil-based at all! I am glad to see Robinho, Ramires, and Pato on the list. And, the world will finally get to see Neymar.

Guys, I accidentally came across this article and I thought it was very well written. I have heard Sandra mention the author though I am not familiar with him. I tend to be very picky about reading random articles online but this one is an exception. It didn't actually state any thing new, it just re-echoed most of my thoughts concerning Robinho, Ganso and Neymar. Coincidentally, it also mentioned Fred who I just commented on in my earlier post.

http://theworldgame.sbs.com.au/tim-vickery/blog/1014175/The-reality-of-potential-unfulfilled

Kenny, that's Tim Vickery, who's based in Brazil and has been writing about S.American football for many years. He writes a regular blog on S.American football for bbc.co.uk. One of the best (and one of the few) English language journalists on S.American football, he's written a couple of good books on it too.

This is quite interesting. The title of the article is "Mano Menezes's First Brazilian Call-Ups: A Sneak Peak." They are just the writer's guesses, but we will see how accurate he is soon.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/424908-a-sneak-peak-into-mano-menezes-first-international-call-ups

And yes, I won't be surprised if they only call up players who play in Brazil for the friendly in August. Those players based in Europe probably will not be able to participate due to pre-season obligations (and their clubs probably won't release them).

Surprised that Fred wasn't on the list, whom I think is the most accomplished forward in the Brazilian league. He is only 26, and I hope he makes the team since we currently have a paucity of quality strikers.
I am also puzzled why Sandro is on the list since he is currently European based so shouldn't be able to participate in the friendly. I agree with the writer about Roberto Carlos. I thought he is better than any of the left full backs we had during the world cup.

There is a lot of excitement about some of the upcoming young talent but they should only be selected for the national team on the merit of their club play.

For example, Dorival Junior recently complained that immature behavior of the young Santos players was hurting the team's performance. I'm sure Mano will take note.

I read about Dorival Junior's comments as well. That indeed concerns me. The young Santos players are certainly really talented, but it sounds like discipline is a big issue.

Likewise. I'm all for giving a chance to the young talents but they should, first, show their commitment and mental readiness at the club level.

Many should probably start by giving a try to some of the young players who already have considerable experience of playing at the high level: Pato, Diego, Filipe Luis, Marcelo, Thiago Silva, etc.

The team that will face the United States in August is bound to be experimental since Mano cannot call up Europe-based players and also those playing for the two Brazilian teams playing in the Copa Libertadores.

So, I think there will be a lot of new faces in this game but for the majority of them it will be the first and probably the last chance. As the next year's Copa America draws nearer, Mano will probably start calling up many of the old guard again.

True. Even before Mano was selected, CBF already said they will not be able to call up Europe-based players due to their pre-season obligations, and they will need to rely on Brazil-based players (maybe they could feature Robinho if that's the case?). As a fan of Brazil, I would like to see some new faces and see how well they can play for the NT. It will be a good chance for them to show their worth if they want to be considered again. Later this year, they will play against France in a friendly, and maybe we will see more old faces.

Mano has a tough job to do. Is he in charge of the Olympics team for the Olympics 2012 as well? If so, it is understandable if he (and CBF) wants to test some of their young talents now. After all, they have never won the gold medal at the Olympics.

Lets not rush to judgements regarding Mano right at this moment. It is barely 24 hrs that he has been named as the coach, at least he should be given a chance to prove himself worthy of this position. So I think we should wait till 10th August and see the result and then make judgements regarding his eligibility of being Brazil's coach.

While I agree with you, Monalisa, I just want to make one point. In the situation of the squad now, it would be to no one advantage to critisize a new coach; I understand that team adjustment and reform will never be easy and I can even wait for four years before I can make a fair assessment of the new coach; we will keep on being optimistic for 2014!

Agree with you, Monalisa.

It is really too early to say anything. He will be announcing who will take part in the friendly soon (on Monday?), so we will have better ideas what he is planning to do with the NT. I guess he may be leaning towards to calling up players based in Brazil since those based in Europe may be tied up with preparing for a new season (and their clubs may not release them), but it will be interesting to see whom he calls up. HOWEVER, I am sure CBF know that fans purchase tickets for the friendly because they want to see the stars, so maybe they will try to balance it out a little bit.

It is a good time to test new talents, but it does not mean he will not call up people like Lucio, Maicon, Julio Cesar, Kaka,etc in the future (the question is more like "when," and whether & how these experienced players will fit the way Mano plays the game) . Give Mano and his NT some time.

Time cannot reverse a comment in favor of the Brazilian squad! People are not looking to be "pleased" by the CBF, but rather to enjoy good soccer by any teams. However, as people, we are entitled to have a choice; I don't have to be German to say that I like how they play soccer; I don't have to be Brazilian to say that I like the style of their soccer-playing. I try very hard to really mean what I say in my comment and desire the best for soccer in general, not just for Brazil. Evidently, Brazil need a thoughtful coach to make sense of good judgement for the squad. Words do have meanings!; if my comments do not make some "logics," then do not expect changes for the Brazilian squad!

It's impossible, nowadays, for the Brazilian Football Association not to know what is going on the Internet media! Do they care to know what the fans desire? Do they care to know that millions of fans want a big-positive change? Do they care to know that they have to make useful decisions for the squad; with so many good footballers in Brazil, why and why they do not have the best of the best just llke the practical footballers in 1958 and 1962? With so many good coaches, why and why they always have to choose a mediocre and egocentic-minded coach. Enough must be enough! Why do Brazil have to wait two decades to even consider a championship? I would be a much better candidate to have a good-football squad than the ones these people are projecting to us! Be reasonable, and give the true good players a chance to prove themselves; I am sure that Pele, The Legend, is not happy with the football in Brazil now! If a good squad is not formed, then we may be in the same "mess"; France have made a radical change; I am sure that these guys in Brazil must come to their senses so that 23 good players and a good coach can eradicate the bad memories that we had in 2010.

I am with Mr Lights that soccer has changed and defenders have to work harder nowadays but I am with Mr Geojean97 in that the midfield and forward also have to work hard and show something brilliant otherwise what they are doing in the pitch ?

If a team does not attack properly and does not score enough then I am as a fan I see the team weak and comment simply " so and so team is weak " , I never say the team has defended very well or what is the use if the team has defended well and lost ..

Fans are proud of a team that attack very well and loose but they are not proud of a team that defend well and loose , you an example in 2010 wc , people see germany better than brazil because of their nice attack against england and argentina ..

I feel I want to see better attacking Brazil and not Brazil that is afraid to go forward and only knows how to defend .. I am waiting for attacking Brazil only

If Teixiera is aiming to go to more attacking team, I believe he is right even though he is forcing the new coach to select certain players and follow certain plan so that he returns the original brazilian team back otherwise if he leaves everything to coaches
slowly slowly the coaches take the national team to european style but if CBF forces them to keep the style in a certain manner then CBF will save brazilian team and play .

I am with Mr Lights that soccer has changed and defenders have to work harder nowadays but I am with Mr Geojean97 in that the midfield and forward also have to work hard and show something brilliant otherwise what they are doing in the pitch ?

If a team does not attack properly and does not score enough then I am as a fan I see the team weak and comment simply " so and so team is weak " , I never say the team has defended very well or what is the use if the team has defended well and lost ..

Fans are proud of a team that attack very well and loose but they are not proud of a team that defend well and loose , you an example in 2010 wc , people see germany better than brazil because of their nice attack against england and argentina ..

I feel I want to see better attacking Brazil and not Brazil that is afraid to go forward and only knows how to defend .. I am waiting for attacking Brazil only

Thank you for your intuitive response! Your response did not crucify the point I was making, Ahmed. Brazil really have to be vigilant in both midfield and forward! They also need effective "volante" precision. I also saw that the defense is very weak and, therefore, the goalkeeper, without a sweeper, will always be vulnerable not to gain confidence.

Geojean97
sorry if I did not understand ur point or went away from your point but
I dont blame CBF always instead I blame the coach who is responsible
and has the right to take the decision , CBF should delegate the job to the coach which means they have to follow up his plan, player chooses and the results before
things go out of the hand and it looks that they are not doing so ..

Your point of view ought to be accepted, Mr. Ahmed! We hope that Brazil will have a "pragmatic" coach with whom the team can have meaningful results.

Yeah, because the CBF exists solely to please you and other internet bloggers that will never be purely satisfied. The truth is, you can't please everyone. And the truth is, I maintain, that with the quality of the players and strategy, and athleticism of these days? Playing like the 'jogo bonito' players? Would lead to defeat.

Defenses have become more and more impressive, the game has become more and more well-rounded, and simply being brilliant up front wont cut it anymore. The spaces the defenses of yesteryear are no longer found, due to better marking, better strategy. This game has become sophisticated, people. Even a Pele-caliber player would have much, much trouble against top defenses.

Please, everyone, stop whining. Let's let the man do what he does before crying to the heavens that we're doomed and the like.

Great post.

Your response is ambiguous! You really did not understand the point that I attempted to make. Try to reread my comment without being sarcastic and you will "see" the point that I made. Soccer does not change in time; you can use the same tactics and be successful with them. Your response also shows that you were never a fan of the best soccer player that ever existed on this planet, Pele, the Legend. There are many great soccer players, even today; remember, Brazil cannot change with such unfounded response!

Soccer very clearly does change with time. You can't keep using the same strategies, the same tactics, over and over without people figuring out how to beat them. It's a well known fact that defenses are bigger, more athletic, faster, more skilled, and more sophisticated than when Pele played. Now, granted, they can't simply hack anymore, but it still means that it's much tougher for a genius offensive player to simply skate around them in today's game.

This means that the emphasis on sound defense is that much greater, since you can't simply rely on your offensive brilliance to make defenders look silly. The game changes. Look at basketball, look at baseball, look at American football, look at rugby, and look at the trend of athletes getting bigger, faster, and more physical in all those sports. It also means tactics have to change to reflect the increase of ability across the board.

Lights, your opinion is perceptive! I will not argue with it because that will create an unending debate. Thank you for being kind enough to consider my point of view...

If the strategies of a coach from his team do not operate, then we cannot say that the coach is "pragmatic". Brazil must overcome the problem of not having a coach who can lead his team to good results!

The brazilian media and the CBF can sometimes be very ignorant and even stupid with those comments that players based in brazil have more "passion" or desire to play for the shirt than the European based players which absolute nonsense it almost feels like a small minded mentality sometimes

What worries me is Teixiera's statement that there will be more Brazil-based players in the team from now on. Sure, Brazil-based players should get a chance but the last think we need is the president telling the coach who to select.

Remember the experiment with Brazil-based players under Leao in 2001?

The best Brazilian players currently play in Europe. full stop.

I was wondering about the same thing. But it is too early to say anything. On Monday, they are supposed to announce the list of players who will play at the friendly. So, we will have a better idea.

I guess they may not be able to call up those players who play in Europe since they will probably be busy getting ready for the new season. However, it may be a good chance for the new talents. I am not familiar with Mano, and I am still trying to find out more about him, particularly his management style and the kinds of strategies he tends to apply. I read online that he is good at mixing the young ones with the more experienced players and is willing to give the young ones a chance to shine. He is an experienced coach himself, so I think he probably won't drop the entire squad immediately (since it is really not necessary at this point as some of the members of Dunga's Brazil area still valuable). Yet, I won't be surprised if he will test some of the new talents at the friendlies they will be playing in the rest of the year.

I think Brazil is certainly going through a transition. A lot of the players representing Brazil in World Cup 2010 probably won't be able to participate in 2014. Changes are definitely necessary. Anyways, we shall see what is going to happen. Well, at least it sounds like Mano is well-respected in Brazil and has better relationship with the press compared to Dunga.

Eric
Brazil-based players in the team - but does this mean players who play in Brazil or
players play like Brazilian and not like European ..
I think Teixiera wants to change Dunga style through the new coach , he want to go to attacking plan and choosing more midfield and attacking players, he is not happy with the way Brazil played during the world cup which was not effective attacking .
if that is the case then he is taking the right decision because Brazil played well in defense but played bad in midfield and forward , Brazil played more like European and not like Brazilian ..

Eric just wait and it might be a good decision for Brazilian national team

he's just another negative counter attacking coach and the more this is not resolved the more I am convinced Leonardo should be the coach because he would bring a fresh approach and also being an "outsider" to the way the CBF works and all their BS I think he would be a strong enough character to stand up to the CBF if they get in the way

Guys, I've never heard the word "pragmatic" used so negatively. It synonymous with sensible or practical, you know.

Agreed. Pragmatism is usually used as a compliment. Pragmatism usually means you get the job done. And in terms of Brazil 2014, they can't afford not to get the job done.

Hahhaha!!!!!! I was actually thinking the same thing just before you mentioned it!!!

After such a dismal performance of a Brazilian squad in dissaray, if the new coach cannot radically "reform" the team, then all of us must know that we are in the same "mess". This is what the Brazilian squad needs: a manager that can be a "reformateur". If Mano does have such a rare quality, then we are "lucky" as Brazilian fans! It's really painful to wait for four years to see if Brazil care about winning another championship!

at least mano is supposed to be a more expansive coach in terms of the style of play but he's also another pragmatic coach

I believe we have to wait till the official anouncement , the other thing we have to be
patient for is that we should not fire the new coach if we dont like him unless there is a real reason for that and give him the chance till USA game at least ..

I am just thinking why CBF is not contracting till the end of copa america
I mean a two years contract , if he is good then they can extend the contract

One thing we should all be aware of, is that there is no such thing as a "Joga Bonito coach". I'm saying this because I just read an article on Goal.com which criticized Muricy for not being one.

Yes, the formation selected by the coach may, to some degree, influence how attractive a team's play looks but ultimately it's a matter of players available. No serious coach tells his players: go out and do back-heels and nutmegs and dummies. Every single coach cares, first and foremost, about winning.

What a mess :)

Mano Menezes' press conference is tomorrow, 12:00 (Brasília time).

most likely to formally accept the job. His squad selection will be announced Monday if he does accept.

Its basically official...Mano Menezes is our next coach.

CBF...may they die slow. they are the most classless worth of idiots I've ever seen run a organization ever. How the hell is Ricardo Teixeira still president smh. Someone needs to oust this gel wearing..plink fanel having idiot.

What a mess, indeed.

Well, back to Mano watch for me. I was learning more about Muricy though and I was getting more interested, so too bad.

It was always Mano then Muricy for me. I would be fine with either. I would even be [cautiously] alright with Leonardo. But please don't pick any of the other 'candidates,' especially not Luxemburgo. Oh please god no Luxemburgo.

just hire leonardo and get it over with at least he doesn't have a contract to a team!

yall seem clueless as to who Muricy is...Muricy is a 3 time Brasileirao champion...won it in 06,07 and 08 with Sao Paulo..wont he World Cup of Clubs over Liverpool. and was named 05 Brazilian coach of the year when he was coaching Internacional.

But this is the thing...As of right now, Fluminense will not release Muricy to coach the CBF and it looks like Muricy will not be Brazil's new coach. Its close to being confirmed that Muricy will actually get a contract extension with Flu till 2012 since Flu is in first place in the league...on top of that..CBF and Fluminense are not exactly the closest of friends.

Mano Menezes, Wanderley Luxemburgo and Paulo Autuori seem to be the favorites to assume the national team now, with Abel Braga as a contender too.

Paulo Autuori is managing Al-Rayyan and Abel Braga is managing Al-Jazira, I suppose they would be the easiest choices as CBF wouldn't have to clash again with Brazilian clubs, after they lost to Fluminense (regarding Muricy) and Palmeiras (regarding Felipão).

Not what i expected but we shall see how he does. August 10th is the first test and i try to attend the game, anyone know when tickets go on sale?

They've been on sale for a while now. This game has been scheduled before the WC even started my friend.

I just purchased them nice picture in the Brazilian fans section, thanks for the fast response Hector!

In other news: Ramires to Chelsea for 20 million pounds (~31 Million dollars)
http://www.goal.com/en/news/11/transfer-zone/2010/07/23/2039012/brazil-midfielder-ramires-to-snub-manchester-city-for

I'm quite surprised that he went for that much,but I'm excited to see him step up his game. The EPL is definitely the place for a defensive mid to hone in his skills (ala G. Silva). Let's just hope he can handle the physical play and can pack on a few pounds by 2014.

Hahahha!!!!! I saw that report. I still don't believe it till the deal goes through. This is one of the few occasions I feel that a European club is over paying for a Brazilian player. That amount is more than other clubs are bidding for superior players as Hernanes, Oezil, Kevin Prince-Boateng etc

He has a good resume. Coached Sao Paulo for a couple of years so I am pretty sure he will also give Hernanes whom he coached, sufficient opportunity to prove himself. I hope players such as Hernanes, Renato Augusto, David Luiz, Walter, Adriano (barcelona), Thiago Motta are given a look. Anyways, he has enough talent to choose from as is always the case with anyone coaching Brazil so good luck to him.

This is what I have been hoping for! If some of you have been intelligently reading my commenst, (many of you, indeed, had), I mentioned that the new coach would have to be someone whom proven record, through winning championships, is consecutive; with "3 straight championships," this coach could be the answer to a squad in dissaray.

Brazil vs USA will be the best stage since it is his dayview as coach to impress and gain a vote of confidence from fans and media!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I dont know this guy?
but if he can bang USA comfortably,then he is my man,because USA are very strong opponents from my point of view.

I dont know this coach at all, but if he can make things happen.then i am behind him 100%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wow, didn't expect that at all. Not sure what to think. Yes, he has an excellent CV - and didn't he work with Santana, or was mentored by him? Just have to wait and see.

Yes, he started his coaching career as Tele Santana's assistant at Sao Paulo.

None of the candidates, except for Scolari, had any international experience, so whoever they chose, it was bound to be a gamble.

We'll just have to wait and see.

this hire sounds very unambitious and I wouldn't be surprised if things start to go wrong he might get the sack pretty quickly and don't be surprised if the CBF keeps a close eye on Scolari if the Palmerias situation starts to go south

I preferred Mano, but I'm alright with Muricy. I think the 4-2-2-2 could offer a little more offensive flair than the 4-2-3-1 without sacrificing too much defense. It's a fair compromise for the Brazilian fans.

Wasn't expecting that, but I can't say I'm either excited or disappointed. Just...neutral right now. We'll see. Best of luck to him.

Can't wait for the August friendly.

That's right Black Matt cus he has not started yet so give him the chance first ..

same coaches who will keep on playing two holding midfielders with no passing ability whatsoever.

Its the same pragmatic coach all over again

As Duvel has rightly pointed out, aside from Felipao and Vanderlei, Muricy is the most successful manager in Brazil (far more successful than Mano). So, in that sense, it was a logical appointment.