Dorival Junior Confirmed As New Brazil Manager

Dorival Junior has left his role with Sao Paulo to become the new manager of the Brazil men's national team.

Brazil fired interim manager Fernando Diniz last week after Carlo Ancelotti signed a new contract with Real Madrid.

The original plan had been for Diniz to stay in charge until June or July and then be replaced by Ancelotti after he departed the Bernabeu.

However, Ancelotti's decision to extend his stay in Madrid forced the Brazilian Football Confederation to come up with a new plan.

Dorival, 61, has been a club manager since 2002 and has worked exclusively in Brazil.

As well as managing Sao Paulo, Dorival has had spells in charge of Flamengo, Santos, Palmeiras, Vasco da Gama, Internacional, Atletico Mineiro and Cruzeiro.

Dorival Junior has left Sao Paulo to become the new manager of the Brazil men's national team

IMAGO/Fotoarena/Mauricio Rummens

Reacting to his appointment by Brazil, Dorival said: "It's a personal dream come true."

Meanwhile, Sao Paulo president Julio Casares claimed that Brazil choosing Dorival was evidence that his club has been well run.

"The invitation to Dorival is further proof that we are on the right track," said Casares. "All that remains is to wish him good luck in his new challenge."

Dorival's first game as Brazil boss is scheduled to be a friendly against England at London's Wembley Stadium on March 23.