Brazil were handed another boost to their confidence this week as Pele backed the Selecao as major challengers for World Cup 2018.
The Selecao romped to Russia following the June 2016 arrival of coach Tite, who transformed the team and won back the confidence of the local media and supporters.
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And the three-time world champion Pele, the King of Football, believes Tite is the man to lead them to an unprecedented sixth world title.
"Those who are Brazilian and believe in Brazil always point to Brazil as the favourites,” said Pele at an event to launch the Rio state Championships.
“Tite is managing to make them a team again. At the last World Cup, we had the best players in the world but the team was disorganised.
"It seems that now we'll have a team and a Selecao that gives us confidence."
Pedro Martins / MoWA Press / DivulgaçãoThe 77-year-old, who suffered health problems last year, went on to assure those in attendance that is recovery is going well.
"I'm fine, thank goodness, and I want to thank all those who sent me messages wishing me a good recovery from all over the world," he said.
Brazil return to action in March when the Brasil Global Tour returns to Europe, where the Selecao will meet Russia in Moscow and Germany in Berlin.