Carlos Alberto Parreira resigned as Brazil
coach on Wednesday following their World Cup quarter-final exit, the
Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said.
"After a meeting held this morning... with CBF president Ricardo
Teixeira, coach Carlos Alberto Parreira left the Brazilian national team,"
said a statement on the CBF's official Web site.
"It was a joint decision and Parreira will not have, from today, any
professional connection with the Brazilian Football Confederation."
Former Real Madrid coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo, who was in charge of
Brazil from 1998 to 2000, and former Sao Paulo and Peru coach Paulo
Autuori are the favourites to take over.
The controversial Luxemburgo is currently coach of Santos and Autuori is
in Japan with Kashima Antlers.
Luiz Felipe Scolari, Brazil's 2002 World Cup winner and widely regarded
as the first choice to take over, has already signed an extension to his
contract with Portugal until 2008.
Parreira, who led Brazil to their fourth world title in 1994 but was
even then criticised for abandoning traditional flair, had been at the
helm since the start of 2003 in his third stint in charge of the
national team.
He won the 2004 Copa America and the 2005 Confederations Cup, on both
occasions beating arch-rivals Argentina in the final. His overall record
in 53 full internationals was 29 wins, 17 draws and seven defeats.
Parreira was also Brazil coach for one year between 1983 and 1984.
DEPARTURE EXPECTED
Brazil lost 1-0 to France at the World Cup after starting as hot
favourites and Parreira's departure had been widely expected since their
surprise exit on July 1.
He was widely criticised for persisting with veteran fullbacks Cafu and
Roberto Carlos as well as striker Ronaldo when he appeared to be short
of match fitness.
Critics also said Parreira's team was excessively cautious and that he
failed to coax the best out of talents such as Ronaldinho and Kaka.
Brazil were widely regarded as the biggest let down at the finals in
Germany.
No coach has ever carried on with Brazil after failing to win the World
Cup although the late Tele Santana, whose memorable side fell at the
second group stage in 1982, later returned to lead the team four years
later in Mexico.
There had been speculation Parreira would continue or be moved up to an
administrative post but the CBF said the 63-year-old wanted more time
with his family.
Parreira began his career as a fitness coach and was on the staff of the
Brazil squad when they won their third world title in 1970.
He later turned to coaching and led Kuwait at the 1982 World Cup, the
United Arab Emirates in 1990 and Saudi Arabia in 1998.
He also had stints with Spanish club Valencia and Turkey's Fenerbahce,
led Fluminense to their only Brazilian championship success in 1994 and
finished runners-up in the same competition with Bragantino and
Corinthians.
"The coach said he needed to dedicate himself to his family and unwind
after nearly four years at the helm of the Brazilian national team,"
said the CBF.
