Four replacements for Brazil boss Phil Scolari

A fourth place finish at the World Cup for tournament hosts Brazil counts as failure, and national boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, better known in Britain by his tabloid nickname ‘Big Phil’, has resigned. We assess some of the options that could succeed him.

Dunga
If the Samba Boys have had one old manager returning for a second stint in charge, then why not bring their World Cup-winning captain from 1994 back? Much has been made, however, of the physical style under Scolari, so would this simply be the case again as Dunga’s side between 2006 and 2010 all contained two sitting players in his own defensive midfield image.

That being said, Dunga delivered two trophies in the 2007 Copa America and the Confederations Cup two years later. A similar style under Scolari, the second time around, has yielded just one piece of silverware. Other notable continuities would be the use of a strong centre forward; Fred today, Luis Fabiano at the last World Cup.

Dunga had a brief spell at Internacional in 2013, but is a free agent. He would surely relish the chance of a second term of office in Brazil’s top job. Left back was a problem area for Dunga, but an alternative to him is one of the all-time Samba Boys greats…

Roberto Carlos
Only fellow full back Cafu has more caps for Brazil than free kick specialist Carlos. He won everything worth winning in elite club and international football: four La Liga titles and three Champions League crowns with Real Madrid; the 2002 World Cup and two Copa Americas with Brazil.

Following that stellar playing career, Carlos went into coaching at one-time rich Russian club Anzhi Makhachkala under Guus Hiddink, and then struck out on his own at Turkish top-flight team Sivasspor. If is country come calling, however, surely he would answer it and become Samba Boys boss.

Leonardo
All-round nice guy Leonardo has high-profile managerial experience, following stints in the dugout at both Milan clubs and a role upstairs as director of football at PSG. In a Brazil shirt, he won everything like Carlos.

There is a darker side to the former attacking midfielder and makeshift left back, however. He has been involved in altercations with opposition players and served a ban for pushing a referee. Leonardo must keep his discipline in the Samba Boys dugout, then, should he get the gig.