Fluminense manager Fernando Diniz has been appointed head coach of Brazil on an interim basis, the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) said on Tuesday.
The 49-year-old
"I made a choice worthy of what our fans deserve," CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues said in a statement published on the entity's official website.
Diniz replaces Ramon Menezes, who was also appointed on a caretaker basis after the departure of Adenor Bacchi, better known as Tite, following last year's World Cup in Qatar.
Rodrigues said Diniz would remain in charge of Fluminense throughout the duration of his Brazil contract.
"I have followed Fernando Diniz's career since the beginning and I believe that he is part of a new and promising generation of coaches that is making an impact in Brazil," Rodrigues said. "I admire his way of seeing football, which resembles the style of the most important coaches in the world."
CBF officials are understood to be in talks with Carlo Ancelotti about the position beyond next year, though the Italian has made clear his intention to see out the remaining 12 months on his Real Madrid contract.
Local media reported that Ancelotti could assume the position when Diniz's contract expires in September 2024.
Diniz, who has also had spells in charge of Sao Paulo, Santos, Vasco da Gama and Athletico Paranaense, among other clubs, described his appointment as a dream come true.
"I am ready to put my best foot forward for the CBF and for Brazilian football," he said in the same statement. "I am fulfilling a dream by working alongside these great players, some of whom I coached when they were younger."
"It will be a source of great pride to be able to participate [in the national team] and I will try to help in every way possible."
