Tite brings back Brazil aura with sixth World Cup win in sights

Agency :
A smooth operator with the dedication of a monk and a philosophical mind, Tite has brought back Brazil’s aura as the Selecao begin their quest for a sixth World Cup crown in Qatar.
The 61-year-old Adenor Leonardo Bacchi — to use Tite’s real name — was a virtual unknown outside of Brazil and specialist football circles when appointed national team boss in 2016.
His record since then has been hugely impressive, winning three-quarters of his matches in charge and guiding Brazil to an unbeaten World Cup qualifying record with a historic 45 points from 17 games.
Only one thing remains for Tite to achieve.
“I’ve won everything in my career, all that’s missing is the World Cup,” he said in February when announcing he would leave his post following the Qatar extravaganza.
It is 20 years since a Brazil inspired by the sumptuous attacking triumvirate of Ronaldo, Rivaldo and Ronaldinho last lifted the greatest prize in football.
Despite his formidable record, not everyone at home is impressed with Tite.
Many fans and former stars have branded the team’s style as ultra-defensive, despite 166 goals scored in 76 matches — with just 27 conceded in 57 wins, 14 draws and five defeats.
Two of those losses were particularly painful ones, though.
Under Tite, Brazil fell 2-1 to Belgium in the World Cup quarter-finals in Russia four years ago, and then lost 1-0 to Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the Copa America final at their Maracana fortress last year.
But many others have real faith in Tite.
In a coaching career spent almost exclusively in his homeland — barring two brief stints in the United Arab Emirates — Tite won the FIFA Club World Cup, Copa Libertadores and two Brazilian titles with Corinthians, a Copa Sudamericana with Internacional, and a Brazilian Cup with Gremio, before guiding Brazil to Copa America victory on home soil in 2019.