SAO PAULO, Nov 28: Luiz Felipe Scolari is expected to be named as the new Brazil coach on Thursday, returning to the national team 10 years after leading the country to the 2002 World Cup title.Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) president Jose Maria Marin confirmed he had chosen a new coach but declined to give a name.

“We did a thorough evaluation and what we need is someone with the right skills, dedication and experience. I am absolutely certain that the fans will be happy with our choice,” CBF president Jose Maria Marin told reporters at an event in Sao Paulo.

“Pressure will be great at the World Cup, and that’s understandable, and we need someone who can cope with that.”

Scolari, 64, is available after recently parting company with Palmeires and would replace Mano Menezes, who was fired last week after Marin said he didn’t like the coach’s methods.

Five-times world champions Brazil are eager that the new man should use next year’s Confederations Cup to blood new stars as they prepare to secure a first World Cup in the country since 1950.In his first stint as Brazil manager, Scolari was forgiven for a pale Confederations Cup showing in 2001 after he led the Selecao to the World Cup win in Japan the following year. He later coached Portugal and led them to the final of Euro 2004 on home soil.—Agencies