The Confederation of Brazil Football’s President, Jose Maria, have said that Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari deserves respect after he resigned as coach of A Seleção.
Scolari’s contract ended after the World Cup and he had said that he would let the CBF decide his fate after Brazil were beaten 3-0 by Netherlands on Saturday in the third-place play-off.
The Dutch defeat followed Brazil’s 7-1 humiliation by Germany in the semi-finals, the worst result in their World Cup history, and the first time they had lost a competitive match at home since 1975.
Scolari’s departure was announced following a meeting with CBF President, Jose Maria Marin, when it was decided that the former Portugal coach’s contract would not be renewed.
Jose Maria said “Scolari and his entire coaching staff deserve our respect and gratitude. They were responsible for returning to the Brazilian people your love for the team, despite not having achieved our greatest goal.”
The CBF in a statement said that the one-time Chelsea Manager chose to give up his position after the disappointment of not winning the World Cup on home soil.
“Coach Luiz Felipe Scolari and his fellow coaching staff surrendered their positions to the board of the Brazilian Football Confederation.
“The resignation was accepted by President Marin, who was keen to thank all the coaches and players and, by extension, the Brazilian fans for their support throughout the World Cup campaign.”
Scolari first took over the Brazil side in 2001 and guided them to World Cup success a year later, beating Germany 2-0 in the 2002 final in Yokohama, Japan.
But after spells in charge of Portugal, Premier League side Chelsea, Bunyodkor of Uzbekistan and Brazilian club Palmeiras, he resumed control of the national team in 2012.
Brazil hosted and won the Confederations Cup in 2013, beating Spain 3-0 in the final, and were favourites to win a sixth World Cup on home soil.
They finished top of their group after two wins and a draw from their three matches, before edging past Chile on penalties in the last 16.
They beat Colombia 2-1 in the quarter-finals, but lost top goalscorer,Neymar to a spine injury and captain Thiago Silva to suspension.
In the semi final, the World Cup host were defeated by Joachim Low’s Germany 7-1 in their heaviest loss ever and they also lost 3-0 to Netherlands in the third place.
Under Scolari, Brazil have won 19, drawn six and lost four of his 29 games in charge.
Vice President Del Nero is scheduled to take over from CBF President, Jose Maria Marin, next year, which could mean a delay in the naming of a successor to Scolari.
In the mean time, Brazil Under-23 coach, Alexandre Gallo, has been suggested as an interim caretaker.
