Recently named head of the Brazilian selection, the appointment of Dorival Junior raises hope for an entire nation. But what is his style of play? What is he a fan of? Analysis.
🚨 OFFICIEL ! Dorival Junior est le nouveau sélectionneur du Brésil 🇧🇷. pic.twitter.com/s8xRYLbBIl
— Actu Foot (@ActuFoot_) January 10, 2024
Anchored in the principles of ball possession, attacking play and compact defense, the Brazilian strategist is taking a path similar to that charted by Pep Guardiola, a coach recognized for his innovative approach to football.
Master the game and control the pace
The new coach ardently encourages his players to dominate the match by controlling the pace of play. His philosophy focuses on rapid and efficient circulation of the ball, thus creating situations conducive to the construction of offensive actions.
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He advocates dynamic offensive play. His teams are encouraged to take risks, attack the opponent’s goal, and create a constant flow of chances. A daring style of play that promises not to leave its world indifferent.
Despite an offensive orientation, the Brazilian tactician insists on the importance of a solid defense. He encourages his players to defend as a unit, to work together to prevent opposing attackers from infiltrating. A balanced approach which aims to ensure stability while guaranteeing an attractive game.
The numbers don’t lie
The statistics confirm Dorival Júnior’s mark on the field. His teams regularly display a high ball possession rate, demonstrating the mastery of the game advocated by the Brazilian tactician. In addition, the figures reveal that his teams score a lot while conceding few goals, illustrating the success of his philosophy focused on attacking play and defensive solidity.
In 605 matches since the start of his coaching career which began in 2002 at Ferroviária de Esportes, his teams have recorded 287 victories for 143 defeats and 175 draws, while they have scored 926 goals and conceded only 675.
The rich past of Dorival Júnior, between success and controversy
Former professional player, Dorival Júnior won the Brazilian Cup and the Copa Libertadores in 2022 with Flamengo, in addition to the Copa do Brazil won in 2023 with São Paulo, highlighting his talent as a leader of men. His experience as a coach has seen him pass through different Brazilian clubs, with a stint at Santos where he notably managed the young Neymar Jr.
Despite periods of turbulence, notably a dispute in 2010 with Neymar, the Brazilian coach was able to bounce back and learn from his experience. His career was marked by a sabbatical in 2015, where he tapped into the European methods of prestigious clubs such as Chelsea, AS Roma, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich under Pep Guardiola.
By taking the reins of a Seleção in difficulty, Dorival Júnior inherits a team far from its usual standards. After an early elimination at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, the Seleção struggled in qualifying for the 2026 World Cup. Injuries, notably that of Neymar, added obstacles to the Brazilian team’s path to rebirth.
Despite these challenges, the sixty-year-old brings new life to the Seleção. The Brazilian nation is just waiting to see if its work will bear fruit.
