The day Tite became Brazil boss

The former Corinthians man was finally unveiled as the new Selecao boss on Monday and Brasil Global Tour's Raisa Simplicio was in Rio to gauge those vital first impressions

An hour later than originally planned, Tite arrived at CBF headquarters in Rio de Janeiro on Monday afternoon to finally presented as new coach of Brazil.

But then Tite’s history with the CBF up to now has left plenty waiting around.

The former Corinthians coach headed straight to the Selecao’s museum for a quick recap of the history into which he is stepping.

A particular highlight of the tour, he said later that afternoon, was a trip back to 1970 when Pele and co. wowed the globe to earn Brazil their third world title.

It was nostalgic moment for the 55-year-old, evoking the childhood joy of watching perhaps the greatest team in the game’s history conquer the world.

The new coach also spoke of the “magic” of 1982, when the likes of Socrates and Zico didn’t manage to win the title but reclaimed the hearts of football fans across the world, highlighting the talent and swagger with which Tele Santana’s mythical side strutted their way through Spain.

Stepping foot in front of the watching media as Brazil coach for the first time, Tite embraced his new boss Marco Polo Del Nero in a very public display that there was no lingering animosity between the two. Tite was home.

Del Nero also paid tribute to Dona Ivone, Tite’s mother, who is a fervent supporter of the Selecao and, of course, their new boss.

Tite had only told her of his new role that day, to which reacted with great excitement, he said.

During the press conference, the new man at the helm carefully shimmied his way around some tricky questions regarding his new boss, deflecting probing enquiries into a reportedly strained relationship.

And unlike its predecessor, Dunga, Tite was patient and polite in all of his answers, happily explaining his views on every question he was asked.

He labelled his appointment ‘a little boy's dream come true’, explaining it was an offer he could not refuse and admitting he had been waiting for the opportunity since World Cup 2014

TIte went on to reveal that he did not sleep the night before his trip to Rio, spending a restless night recalling his career to date and admitting his legs were trembling when he arrived at the home of the Confederation late that afternoon.

His wide-eyed trip through Brazilian football’s great past reminded him of the task with which he is now faced.

The decision not to lead the team at the Rio Olmpics in August, as Dunga had been scheduled to, was explained by his desire to focus on what he now sees as the biggest task ahead: ensuring Brazil do not fail to qualify for a World Cup for the first time in competition’s history.

Tite could not hide his delight at the crowning achievement of his 25 years in coaching. And, as always, he wasted no time in getting to work. On Tuesday he travelled to USA to watch his new side's upcoming World Cup qualifying opponents Colombia.

Both during and immediately after his first press conference as Brazil coach, there was a curious feeling around the press corps.

For the first time since World Cup 2014, they were unanimous in their respect and admiration for a Brazilian coach who is widely regarded as by far the most impressive of his generation.

Tite begins his new role with the press onside; with a genuine feeling of hope that the smiles will soon return to a nation which has been defined by its unprecedented success in football.