Brazil add Pep Guardiola to three-man shortlist to replace Dorival Junior

Brazil are searching for a new head coach after sacking Dorival Junior on Friday night following a crushing 4-1 defeat against arch-rivals Argentina.

According to Spanish news outlet Marca, Manchester City’s Pep Guardiola is one of three managers on the Selecao’s shortlist to replace Dorival.

Dorival has been walking a tightrope since Brazil’s disappointing quarter-final exit against Uruguay at the 2024 Copa America.

The defeat against Argentina was the final straw, with the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) confirming his exit on Friday.

It hasn’t taken long for rumours about his successor to emerge as the five-time world champions prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Guardiola is one of those being considered for the role. Al-Hilal head coach Jorge Jesus and Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti are the other names on the three-man shortlist.

This is not the first time Brazil has been linked with high-profile foreign managers.

They made a move for Ancelotti before settling for Dorival, and newly re-relected CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues is reportedly exploring the possibility of appointing him again.

However, it appears Guardiola is now the priority for Brazil.

The Spanish tactician previously expressed his interest in taking charge of a national team, insisting he was open to adding the experience of an international tournament to his already glowing CV.

That was before he signed a new two-year deal with Man City, so it will be difficult to lure him away from the Etihad Stadium.

Guardiola is expected to oversee a squad rebuild this summer, with Man City going through a rough patch that could see them miss out on Champions League football.

The Spaniard is keen to get the club back to the top of English and European football, so Brazil may be forced to look elsewhere.