New Brazil boss Tite has admitted that he is concerned about the country’s prospects of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia. Brazil currently sit 6th in the CONMEBOL qualifying table, one place outside of the playoff spots.
Tite, who was officially announced as coach on Monday, flew out to the US to watch Colombia’s Copa America semi-final tie with Chile in Chicago. Brazil face Colombia in a qualifier in Manaus in September.
“In this new era, I have to reinvent as a coach, to follow the teams that will face Brazil. But I am mainly seeking adaptation, this closeness, this monitoring of players, with the big teams, so that we can have the work already in these first two games. This is the major focus.”
The ex Corinthians boss admits that there is difficult work ahead for Brazil to qualify. The country has never yet failed to qualify for the tournament, telling SporTV, “Honestly, yes (I am concerned with the situation of Brazil).
“I’m no demagogue. It is an important moment, it is a moment of renewal, is a moment where I have to review my work, to adapt as an international manager, not club, and win these next two games,” he said.
“But I also see that there are quality players emerging. With a star player, which is Neymar, but with very large potential to grow together as a group.”