Brazil have reportedly set their sights on Manchester City's mastermind Pep Guardiola as one of three prime candidates to replace Dorival Junior, who was sacked after a dismal run in charge. 

The 62-year-old coach lost his job on Friday night, having managed just seven wins in 16 matches since taking over in January 2024.The decisive blow came with a humiliating 4-1 defeat to rivals Argentina during the international break, leaving Brazil clinging to fourth place in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualification standings.Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano broke the news of Dorival's exit late Friday, stating, "Brazil have fired Dorival Junior following the 4-1 defeat vs Argentina. He's no longer the head coach as Brazil are now looking for a new manager with immediate effect."The loss to Argentina exposed Brazil's struggles, and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) wasted no time in launching their hunt for a fresh face to lead the Selecao into the 2026 World Cup.Guardiola, long admired for his tactical brilliance at Manchester City, tops a shortlist that also includes Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti and Al Hilal's Jorge Jesus, according to Brazilian outlet UOL.The 54-year-old Spaniard has hinted at his desire to step into international management, saying last year, "I would like to train a national team for a World Cup or a European Championship. I would like that."He added, "When I started in this I never thought about winning a league title or the Champions League. No. I thought, I have a job? OK. I would like to have the experience of living through a World Cup, or a Euro or a Copa America, or whatever it is. I would like that."With his Manchester City contract running until mid-2027, any move would hinge on negotiations, but posts on X suggest the CBF have been persistent, contacting Guardiola multiple times this year.UOL's report shed light on Brazil's preferences, noting, "If he had to choose one, President Ednaldo Rodrigues would put Ancelotti in the role. The Italian is an 'old' love, who did not sign when the CBF initially wanted, in 2023." Ancelotti, however, has played down speculation, saying recently he has not been approached by Brazil and remains committed to Real Madrid, where his deal lasts until mid-2026.Despite this, Rodrigues is keeping his options open. "The president of the CBF knows that he needs to broaden the field," the report continued. "That's why he's expanding the front that includes, for example, Guardiola and Jorge Jesus."The CBF are already working the phones, with intermediaries tasked to gauge each coach's availability. "After that, it's a matter of understanding which is more viable and how and if the respective conversations will move forward," UOL explained. Even Palmeiras' Abel Ferreira could emerge as a dark horse if the big names prove elusive.For now, Brazil are in a race against time. Their next qualifiers, against Ecuador and Paraguay, loom in June, and the CBF are desperate to appoint a heavyweight to restore the five-time world champions to their former glory. Guardiola, with his trophy-laden tenure at Manchester City, could be the man to spark that revival, if Brazil can prise him away from the Etihad.

Report: Pep Guardiola targeted as Brazil swing axe on Dorival Junior

Kaizer Chiefs winger Pule Mmodi is targeting three crucial points against Golden Arrows in a Betway Premiership clash in Durban on Saturday. 

The match carries extra significance for Mmodi, who will be facing his former club, Abafana Bes'thende, with his current team seeking to avenge their previous defeat.The last time these two sides met, Kaizer Chiefs suffered a disappointing 1-0 loss to Golden Arrows, a result that left a bitter taste for the Soweto giants.Now, with the opportunity to set the record straight, the Chiefs squad is determined to turn the tables and claim a much-needed victory.Mmodi, aware of the challenge posed by his former team, has acknowledged their strength but remains confident in Chiefs' ability to get a positive result.Kaizer Chiefs have had a mixed campaign so far, winning eight, drawing five, and losing nine of their 22 matches.With inconsistency plaguing their season, securing a win against Arrows could provide a vital boost for their league ambitions."Golden Arrows is a good team, and with their new coach, they'll likely have a different approach. However, we're focused on our own game plan, and we're confident that we can get a result," he told the club's official website."We're aware that the league is entering its final stretch, and we need to be consistent in our performances. We are confident that we can make a strong finish to the season."We're currently eighth on the table, but we still have a chance to finish in the top four. We'll be facing teams that are above us, and that's a great opportunity for us to make up ground."I think, to be fair, we've been playing good football, but we need to work on winning games and scoring goals. As a forward player, I know that I need to contribute more in terms of goals. We strive to win all the games that are remaining and give our best." &nbsp;

Pule Mmodi: Kaizer Chiefs must take opportunity to beat Golden Arrows

Mason Greenwood's journey at Marseille has taken another twist, with transfer guru Fabrizio Romano offering the latest on the former Manchester United striker's future.

The 23-year-old swapped Old Trafford for the Stade Velodrome in the summer of 2024, sealing a permanent move worth 26 million pounds after a turbulent spell with the Red Devils.Manchester United opted to part ways with Greenwood following a high-profile legal case involving charges of attempted rape and assault, which collapsed when key witnesses pulled out.After an internal probe, the Premier League heavyweights loaned him to Getafe, where he reignited his career with eight goals and six assists. Marseille won the race for his signature, beating out rivals from across Europe.Greenwood has since dazzled in France, racking up 16 goals and three assists in 28 appearances for Marseille. Yet, eyebrows were raised when he found himself on the bench for their last two Ligue 1 outings.Manager Roberto De Zerbi didn't mince words, demanding more from his star forward. "No one respects him more than I do," De Zerbi has said. "But I expect more. He has to sacrifice more and be more consistent if he wants to become a champion."The Red Devils, meanwhile, have kept a keen eye on their former academy gem. With a 50% sell-on clause tucked into the Marseille deal, they stand to pocket around 31 million pounds if Paris Saint-Germain, rumoured suitors, make a move. A cash windfall like that could fuel United's planned summer overhaul.But De Zerbi has since slammed the brakes on exit talk, heaping praise on Greenwood. "I really adore him and his father," the Italian coach has said. "He's had a tough time with his daughter's birth and isn't used to playing intense seasons as a key man."His physical condition dipped, but he trained hard this week. When he pushes, he's the one who plays. Tomorrow, he'll start."Adding fuel to the fire, Romano has quashed speculation of an imminent transfer. "Lots of rumours, but nothing's decided," the journalist revealed on X on March 28. "There are no negotiations with other clubs right now."Marseille fans will be buzzing to see Greenwood back in the XI, while Manchester United wait to see if their sell-on clause sparks a financial fireworks display. For now, the striker's focus remains on lighting up Ligue 1.

Report: Mason Greenwood sparks Marseille fireworks amid transfer buzz

Pep Guardiola has admitted that this season has been tough for Manchester City, as the club faces the possibility of missing out on the Champions League for the first time since the 2010-11 campaign.

City currently sit fifth in the Premier League table, putting their qualification hopes in serious jeopardy.Guardiola, who has won 18 trophies in his nine years at the club, suffered an unprecedented setback this season, failing to reach the Champions League last 16 for the first time in his managerial career.With European glory out of reach, City's only remaining targets are a top-four finish and the FA Cup.Despite the struggles, Guardiola remains optimistic, believing the challenges will ultimately benefit both himself and his players."In the good moments, always you learn," said Guardiola."In the bad moments as well, we learn. Sometimes the experiences can happen many, many times and, if you don't learn, you have the problems again and again. Of course, of course, it's a good lesson for me, personally"I learned a lot - and hopefully for the club as well. When I said in the past - and the people said 'Ah, Pep is naive' - that qualification for the Champions League is a huge success, the people didn't believe me. Now they believe me." &nbsp;