The Corinthians coach had been tipped to take over four years ago and, having dealt with the likes of Ronaldo and Roberto Carlos, should not find the step up too daunting.
Tite was made to wait.
Four years ago, Mano Menezes had just been fired as Brazil coach and Tite’s stock was at an all-time high after he led Sao Paulo-based giant Corinthians to its first Copa Libertadores title.
After following it up by breaking a six-year European stronghold on the Club World Cup, he was the firm favorite to be named new Brazil coach. But he was overlooked in favor of Luiz Felipe Scolari.