Pele defends sacked Brazil coach Dunga after Copa exit

Dunga's side were knocked out in the group stage at the Copa America Centenario.

Brazil's coach Dunga (R) is pictured after being defeated by Peru in their Copa America Centenario.HECTOR RETAMAL / Getty Images

 

Brazil legend Pele has leapt to the defense of Dunga after the coach's sacking following Brazil's failure at the Copa America Centenario.

Dunga's side were knocked out in the group stage in the United States, albeit in controversial circumstances after a Raul Ruidiaz handball goal sealed a 1-0 win for Peru on Sunday.

Dunga, who was in his second stint at the helm, was sacked after the defeat – but three-time World Cup winner Pele believes the 52-year-old has been harshly criticized.

 

"I don't think it's fair for all the critics that are talking badly about Dunga, who has nothing to do with this. Dunga did his job," he said.

"Unfortunately, the Brazilian national team didn't have time to train and they changed the whole team every tournament.

"So it's not Dunga's fault."

Tite is set to be named as Dunga's successor, having guided Corinthians to two Campeonato Brasileiro crowns.

And Pele backed the 55-year-old to be a success, saying: "I think Tite is the coach of the moment without a doubt and he is capable of doing this.

"One thing that deserves attention is that Dunga doesn't have anything to do with the performance of the Brazilian team. It's because they didn't have time to train. I think Tite is deserving of the job."

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