Appointed as Brazil’s national team coach in January 2024, Dorival Júnior is on a mission to mend the gap between the team and its supporters, acknowledging the growing emotional disconnect after years of underwhelming performances.
How told The Guardian, “At the moment, it feels as if there’s a vast gap between our team and the fans who have always been our backbone”. His solution involves a concerted push towards engagement and passion. “We need to work together—federation, players, coaches, and fans—to reignite the fervor and dedication that’s been missing,” he advocated, underscoring the importance of collective action in this pivotal moment.
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Addressing the Seleção’s recent struggles, including their faltering World Cup qualifiers campaign, Júnior believes the root causes extend beyond mere results. He attributed part of the disconnect to the increasing trend of Brazilian talents moving abroad, creating a physical and emotional distance from the domestic scene.
“This detachment isn’t just about our performances but also about the broader dynamics of football globalization, which has seen our best talents ply their trade far from home,” he explained, shedding light on the complexities of the current situation.
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With England awaiting in his managerial debut for Brazil, Júnior respects the challenge but remains hopeful. “England represents one of the highest benchmarks in international football today,” he admitted, praising their rapid development and tactical prowess under Gareth Southgate. Yet, his belief in the Brazilian squad’s capabilities remains unshaken.
“Despite the formidable opposition, I have unwavering faith in our team’s ability to showcase the true spirit and talent of Brazilian football on this global stage,” he affirmed, reflecting his optimism and strategic foresight.
Júnior’s ultimate aspiration is to instill a renewed sense of pride in wearing the Brazilian jersey, calling for active participation from all quarters in turning this vision into reality.
“I urge our supporters to join us in this journey, to offer their insights and support as we strive to rebuild and reimagine our national team,” he implored, highlighting the critical role of fan engagement in this transformative era.
