Pep Guardiola on Brazil hitlist to succeed Menezez

Pep Guardiola is on Brazil's list of targets as they look for a new manager after sacking Mano Menezes.

Chelsea are working on a deal which would see the former Barcelona boss take the reins at Stamford Bridge in the summer. 

But the Brazilian Football Confederation are hoping to make Guardiola the man who leads them to World Cup glory in 2014, a tournament they are hosting. 

The confederation's national squads director, Andres Sanchez, said a new coach would be installed in January. 

Guardiola was Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich's first choice to replace Roberto Di Matteo, who was sacked on Tuesday night. 

But he is enjoying time off after resigning from his Barcelona role in the summer, happily living in his swanky New York apartment. 

Rafa Benitez was appointed as interim manager until next summer, when Guardiola's 'sabbatical' is set to end - although he has indicated he may return to management sooner. 

Corinthians coach Tite, Santos boss Muricy Ramalho and Luiz Felipe Scolari are other contenders for the Brazil position. 

Scolari won the 2002 World Cup with Brazil, his side powered by the legendary Ronaldo overcame Germany 2-0 in the final. 

He resigned after the tournament and took over Portugal, before a short and ill-fated spell at Chelsea. 

Brazil are desperate to win the World Cup on their own turf and after Menezes failed to lead the team to Olympic and 2011 Copa America glory, they took action.

Menezes became coach in 2010, replacing Dunga, and recorded 20 wins, six draws and five defeats while at the helm. 

The Selecao were eliminated in the quarter finals of last year's Copa America, losing to Paraguay on penalties - amazingly they missed all four spot kicks. 

In the 2012 London Games they reached the final but were upset by underdogs Mexico, despite having a side which included Blues star Oscar and wonderkid Neymar.

Confederation president Jose Maria Marin and vice-resident Marco Polo del Nero were present at the meeting, where the decision to dispense with Menezes was made. 

Sanchez appeared to question the move, saying: 'I respect and understand the arguments of the directors, but I think this isn't the correct moment.' 

Menezes' dismissal comes just two days after Brazil won the Superclasico de las Americas against Argentina on penalties. 

Brazil lost the second leg 2-1 in Buenos Aires, but triumphed on spot-kicks in the tie which featured only players who play in the two countries' domestic leagues. 

Menezes said on Twitter: 'As it has been announced, I'm not the national coach anymore. 

'My thanks to all the people who worked with me on this project, specially the players that were called up during this period and all those who believed in our work.' 

Former Brazil striker Romario and former Chelsea defender Juliano Belletti both backed Scolari, who led the country to their last World Cup triumph, to take the reins. 

Romario said: 'The best man is Felipe, no doubt about that. And I also believe that Andres Sanchez can't continue as general manager, Rai is the correct man for the job.' 

Belletti added on Twitter: 'The World Cup is only seven games, kill or be killed. Felipe is very good on that. He motivates you, and demands things from you.'

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Source: DailyMail