Former Chelsea star on new Brazil manager shortlist after Argentina defeat | Football

Former Chelsea defender Filipe Luis is on Brazil’s shortlist to replace Dorival Junior as their head coach.

Brazil still remain on course to qualify for the 2026 World Cup but they were hammered 4-1 by Argentina on Tuesday night.

The defeat has increased pressure on Brazil’s head coach, Dorival, who was already under scrutiny following two draws against Venezuela and Uruguay last November, plus a loss away to Paraguay in September.

According to Globo, Carlo Ancelotti remains Brazil’s first-choice option to replace Dorival ahead of next year’s World Cup.

It’s claimed that Ancelotti has privately indicated that he would be open to taking the Brazil job but the Italian has a contract with Real Madrid which expires at the end of next season.

Brazil have also considered alternatives to Ancelotti and one name that has gained strength is Filipe Luis – the former Atletico Madrid and Chelsea left-back who has made an impressive start to his managerial career with Flamengo.

The 39-year-old, who retired in 2023, has already won three trophies since being appointed as Flamengo’s head coach last September.

Brazil’s Football Confederation (CBF) wants Dorival’s replacement in place with enough time to work with the national team before next year’s World Cup but this summer’s Club World Cup, which begins in June, prevents an immediate appointment as both Ancelotti and Filipe Luis will be managing at the tournament.

Globo described the Brazil dressing room as a place of ‘desolation and dejection’ following the defeat to Argentina.

Early goals from Julian Alvarez and Enzo Fernandez put Argentina in front before Matheus Cunha capitalised on a mistake from Cristian Romero to pull one back for Brazil.

Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister struck before the break to restore Argentina’s two-goal lead before Giuliano Simeone found the net in the 71st minute to complete the win.

Asked if he felt safe in his position after the loss, Dorival said: ‘It’s a situation that is beyond my control.

‘The pressure is always great, I am aware of everything it represents, of everything that has been developed.’

Brazil are now due to play Ecuador and Paraguay in their next World Cup qualifiers in June.

Since Dorival took over as Brazil’s head coach in January 2024, the team has registered seven wins, seven draws and two defeats in 16 games.

In last year’s Copa America, Brazil lost to Uruguay in the quarter-final.

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