Goal.com Special: Meet Mano Menezes - The New Brazil Coach

History

Beginning his career as a defender for Guarani de Venancio Aires in his home country, Mano Menezes quit playing football to train as a fitness coach. With his new profession, Menezes traveled to Caxias, Internacional and Cruzeiro, before eventually returning to Guarani de Venancio Aires where he would take the reigns and properly begin his managerial career.

A five-year spell at the club saw Menezes enjoy silverware in the form of the Campeonato Gaúcho, as well as qualification for the Sul-Minas Cup in the same year. This led to Iraty and Brasil de Pelotas making offers for the coach's services, which he duly accepted.

Taking over 15 de Novembro in 2003, the boss gained more notoriety for heading up the team's formidable run in the Brazil Cup, reaching third place. After 15, Menezes spent a year coaching Caxias.

Gremio

Having been relegated, Gremio turned to Mano Menezes to lead them back in to the Campeonato Brasileiro Serie A – and he did just that.

With his hands on quality players such as Manchester United's Anderson, Liverpool's Lucas Leiva and Hoffenheim's Carlos Eduardo, Menezes led the Tricolor to two domestic league titles and a Copa Libertadores final.

During his time at the club, the coach won 89 out of a possible 169 games.

Corinthians

Taking charge of Corinthians in 2007, the talented coach was charged with the task of once again bringing a side back up from relegation. Succeeding once again, Menezes went on to guide the team to the Campeonato Paulista title the following year.

Coaching Style:

Not much unlike his predecessor, Menezes' style of coaching is one of a defensive nature. His system emphasises possession of the ball and strong marking in a tightly run midfield, always utilising two defensive-midfielders.

A fan of counter-attacking football, Menezes has often used three centre-backs with wingers either side of them. He also generally plays with two strikers: one in a roaming, wide-style role, and one central target-man.

The consensus from the higher-ups in Brazilian football is that Mano Menezes is the right man for the job. The coach has a great eye for mixing youth with experience, always giving younger players a chance to shine.

However, some feel that Menezes' downfall may be that he has very little experience in dealing with world-class players.

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