The favourites to become next Brazil manager as Ancelotti and Guardiola linked

The Football Faithful

·29. März 2025

The favourites to become next Brazil manager as Ancelotti and Guardiola linked

The search for the next Brazil manager is underway after Dorival Junior was sacked following their humiliating defeat at the hands of Argentina.

The World Cup champions destroyed their arch rivals 4-1 in Buenos Aires on Wednesday to book their place at next summer’s tournament in North America, leaving the head coach’s position untenable.

OneFootball Videos

The Seleção are in little danger of not qualifying, but with just over a year until it kicks off the Brazilian Football Confederation need to get their next appointment on the money if they are to avoid further embarrassment.

They are certainly aiming high, with Carlo Ancelotti and Pep Guardiola two early names linked with the vacant post. The Real Madrid boss was previously headhunted for the role after the 2022 World Cup, but stayed put and went on to win last year’s Uefa Champions League.

The Italian doesn’t seem in a hurry to leave his job this time either. This week he told the media: “My contract is clear, I have nothing more to add. I have great affection for the Brazil national team, their players and their fans, but I have a contract with Real Madrid.”

Guardiola, meanwhile, signed a two-year contract extension with Manchester City earlier this season. It’s possible he could walk away after a difficult campaign, but not likely.

The frontrunner, according to at least one of the major bookmakers, is Jorge Jesus. The Portuguese tactician is a popular figure in Brazilian club football after guiding Flamengo to Campeonato Brasileiro Série A title and Copa Libertadores double in 2019. He’s also enjoyed stints with Benfica, Sporting Club and Fenerbahçe.