Author: Soorya G
On Friday, coach Arthur Elias was announced as the new coach of the Brazilian women’s national team, replacing Sweden’s Pia Sundhage, who was sacked by the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) on Wednesday. CBF president Ednaldo Rodrigues also announced Rosana Augusto as the new U-20 coach, and Simone Jatobá, who will continue as U-17 coach.
“I’m confident that we can change the reality of women’s soccer in Brazil in a short space of time. My mission is to achieve results in the short term, especially at the Olympic Games. The Brazilian national team needs to become a world power once again; that’s our goal“, said Arthur Elias during his presentation.
Arthur Elias wasted no time in announcing on Friday his first call-up for the September FIFA window. He has called up 30 players for a training camp at Granja Comary, scheduled from September 18 to 26, as there are no friendly matches planned for that period. The new coach is starting preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games with immediate effect. His contract runs until the 2027 FIFA World Cup, whose host country has yet to be determined.
At 42, Arthur Elias is coming off the back of a successful five-year spell at Corinthians. In his first move, he took three of his trusted staff from the club to the national team: fitness coach Marcelo Rossetti, goalkeeper coach Edson Júnior and nutritionist Tiemi Saito. During his time at Corinthians, he won four Campeonato Brasileiro titles, three Copa Libertadores titles and three Campeonato Paulista titles, among other achievements. He also won a Brazilian championship with the Olympic Center in 2013.
Arthur Elias has made it clear that he will not be leaving Corinthians immediately. He will continue at the helm of the São Paulo team until the conclusion of the Women’s Copa Libertadores, scheduled for October 5-21 in Colombia. In the Brazilian Championship, Corinthians will face Santos on Sunday in the semi-final, where they can lose by up to two goals to secure their place in the final. On Corinthians’ 113th anniversary, Arthur Elias wished the club well and thanked everyone for their support and collaboration, which made him feel prepared for this new endeavor.