22nd October, 2022
Former Brazil forward Ronaldo admits he would “love” to see Pep Guardiola or Carlo Ancelotti take the reins of the Selecao, stating it would be a “historic” move.
With the Qatar 2022 World Cup set to start next month, Tite’s side are bidding to break a two-decade European hold on the sport’s greatest prize, led by talents such as Neymar, Vinicius Jr and Rodrygo.
But regardless of their ultimate tournament performance, the 61-year-old’s tenure could well be coming to an end after more than six years in the role, with pundits floating the Manchester City and Real Madrid bosses as potential successors for Tite.
In a country where the national team has always been led by a native, there is significant pushback to the suggestion of an outsider – but Ronaldo believes it could prove a watershed moment for the Selecao.
“I would love it,” Brazil great Ronaldo told The Guardian. “A European not just with the Brazilian national team but the entire Brazilian football industry.
“A Pep or an Ancelotti could be historic, it could change our history for 100 years.”
Brazil last won the World Cup at Korea-Japan 2002 and entered the 2014 edition – which they hosted – as home favorites, before a stunning 7-1 semi-final collapse against Germany.
As a squad headlined by Neymar – who is closing in on Pele’s Selecao goalscoring record – prepares for their latest tilt, however, Ronaldo sees no reason why they cannot break their barren run this time around.
“There’s been a European dominance,” he acknowledged. “France, Spain, and Germany are always there. England produced a great Euros [campaign].
“But Argentina have gone 35 unbeaten. Brazil look very good, although that doesn’t count for anything.
“In Brazil, we want to win. Let’s see what Tite does. He has options up front, very good ones.
“Vinícius has to start – he would start in any team in the world. On the right, Raphinha is playing incredibly, but we have Rodrygo, who would get in anywhere. Then there’s Neymar. He’s got the desire.”