5) Humility to Brazil’s footballing psyche
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This is probably one of Tite’s biggest obstacles – for a nation that has won 5 FIFA World Cups in his history, much of the Brazilian populace, the media and even some of the players, consider it a divine right for Brazil to stand atop the world’s footballing pyramid.
Cafu stood in the position 14 years ago, when Brazil were crowned World Champions in the 2002 FIFA World Cup, but 14 years is a long time in football. Indeed, Brazil struggle to make a dent even in their continental competitions, which used to be their bread and butter.
Thus, it is encouraging to hear that one of Tite’s first words upon taking charge of Brazil was him considering the very real possibility that Brazil could not qualify for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. Humility has been rewarded in football the last few seasons – with Atletico Madrid going far in Europe, Leicester City being crowned EPL Champions and Chile winning two successive Copa Americas.
Tite is naturally humble himself, as can be deciphered from his words – “In this new era, I have to reinvent as a coach, to follow the teams that will face Brazil. I'm no demagogue. It is an important moment, it is a moment of renewal, is a moment where I have to review my work, to adapt as an international manager, not club, and win these next two games. But I also see that there are quality players emerging. With a star player, which is Neymar, but with very large potential to grow together as a group.”
Hopefully, the Selecao are moulded in their manager’s image – and then success will surely follow.
