Author – Amrit Santlani
The former coach of the Brazilian national team, Tite, has yet to return to his coaching career since resigning after the team’s disappointing showing at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. According to the latest reports, Tite is one of the leading candidates to become coach of Saudi Arabia’s Al-Hilal.
The veteran coach has reportedly received several offers to return to his post in Brazil, but is keen to seek opportunities abroad. There are rumors that, although Tite is looking for a position in Europe, his name has been linked to one of Saudi Arabia’s soccer powers. Al Hilal coach Ramon Diaz has taken a leave of absence for family reasons and the Saudi press has reported that Tite could be in the running to replace Diaz permanently.
According to CNN, local media have reported that 61-year-old Tite could be the man to lead the Riyadh-based club from the next round. Díaz’s son and assistant Emiliano are expected to remain in charge of Al Hilal until the end of the season.
It’s quite possible that Tite will be offered a permanent position due to his rebuilding work with Brazil, and the veteran coach could also earn a tidy sum if the Saudi Arabian club manages to convince Lionel Messi, who has been strongly linked with Al Hilal. The club would have offered the Argentine World Cup winner £522 million for a two-year contract.
It remains to be seen whether Messi will end up joining the Saudi Arabian club, and working with one of the best players in the world could certainly tempt the former Brazil coach. Since the Seleção were beaten 4-2 on penalties by Croatia in Qatar in the quarter-finals, Brazil’s national team have yet to appoint a permanent coach, with Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti being strongly linked with the vacancy.
After a 2-2 draw with table leaders Al Ittihad, Al Hihal dropped to fourth place in the Saudi Pro League standings with four matches remaining in the season.