Fernando Diniz, the current head coach of Fluminense, has agreed to be the interim coach of the Brazilian National Team, according to an information published Globo in Brazil. He will take this new role pending the arrival of Carlo Ancelotti, who reportedly will lead the Brazilian team until the 2026 World Cup.
Diniz’s contract is expected to last either six months or a year, depending on when Ancelotti can leave as Real Madrid. Diniz will be able to balance his job with Fluminense and his international responsibilities during FIFA match weeks. No decision has yet been made regarding his role following Ancelotti’s arrival.
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He does not leave Fluminense however
The agreement reached between the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) and Fluminense foresees that Diniz will appear on FIFA dates to manage the national team, but he will also continue to coach his club. The CBF contacted Fluminense to discuss Diniz’s release and the two sides agreed on a fine to allow for this dual function. This agreement will avoid penalizing Fluminense during key moments of the season, such as the Copa Libertadores qualifiers.
Fernando Diniz’s first challenge as interim coach will be the rounds 1 and 2 of South American World Cup qualifying tournament in September. During the FIFA dates period of September 4-12, Brazil will face Bolivia at a location to be determined and then travel to Peru in Lima.
In addition to these games, Diniz will lead the team in four more qualifying matches in 2023: against Venezuela at home and Uruguay away in October, then against Argentina at home and Colombia away in November.
Also, if Ancelotti does not leave Real Madrid in January, Diniz will again be the coach of the squad in the friendlies of March 2024, including one against Spain in Madrid.
