New Brazil Manager Dorival Jr Set for Awkward Reunion with Neymar, 13 Years After Infamous Spat

• Dorival Junior has been confirmed as the new coach of Brazil’s football team
• The 61-year-old has worked solely in the country and also managed Neymar
• He had a fallout with the superstar while the pair worked together at Santos

New Brazil manager, Dorival Junior has sent a subtle message to Neymar Junior over a decade after the pair fell out at a domestic level.

Dorival Jr was confirmed as the new manager of the Samba Boys after leaving Sao Paolo earlier this week, signing a deal until 2026.

In his first sentiments from the hot seat of one of the world's biggest footballing nations, the 61-year-old addressed a decades-old feud with the Al-Hilal superstar.

The two fell out while working together at FC Santos, in a series of events that eventually led to his dismissal.

According to Dorival Jr, the Brazil team needed to learn to play without their record goal-scorer, who is currently out of action after undergoing successful surgery to fix his anterior cruciate ligament.

Jose Mourinho wants to play Romelu Lukaku as a centre-back amid Roma's defensive crisis

Football

"Brazil has to learn to play without Neymar, understanding that he is injured, but also that we have one of the three best players in the world currently, and we have to take advantage of that," he said as quoted by Si.com.

Despite their past animosity, Dorival also opened the door for Neymar’s return to the Brazil squad.

"I have no problem with Ney. That situation went beyond what was expected in an unnecessary way, but we talked right after the game. I have never had any kind of problem with the player, quite the opposite. Whenever we meet, it is a very positive situation."

He added: "As long as he [Neymar] is focused and recovered, he will be called up."

What happened between Neymar and Dorival?

In 2010, a rising 18-year-old Neymar was playing for Brazilian outfit, Santos, under the guidance of Dorival Jnr.

There was controversy during the game against Goianiense after Santos won a penalty. Neymar wanted to take it, but his manager did not allow him the chance.

Ivan Toney: Brentford manager strongly indicates striker’s next destination

Football

According to Marca, the rising superstar then insulted the manager both on and off the field, leading to a sensational fallout between the two parties.

Neymar was fined by the club, who wanted the issue resolved quickly, but Dorival took a hard stance on the matter and was ultimately dismissed.

Neymar’s PSG transfer under investigation

Elsewhere, Sports Brief previously reported on Neymar’s record-setting transfer to PSG and how it could be subject to a formal investigation.

In 2017, the Brazilian superstar made history by becoming the world’s most expensive player with his transfer from Barcelona to the Parisians.

It is now alleged a former member of the French parliament and a former PSG communications manager secured tax benefits from the transfer.