Brazil's volleyball coach says he was an option to take over soccer squad

Coach Bernardinho, who led Brazil's volleyball team to its sixth World League title last week, said Thursday he was recently asked to consider coaching the Brazilian national soccer squad.

Photo: Brazil's volleyball coach says he was an option to take over soccer squad

Brazil's volleyball coach says he was an option to take over soccer squad

Bernardinho, who is widely respected in Brazil for his role ahead of the volleyball team, told local Globo TV that he was approached by soccer officials about the possibility of working with the soccer team. He denied, however, that any official offers were made.

"I wouldn't be the most appropriate person, although it wouldn't be impossible for me to participate as a member of the technical staff," Bernardinho said. "To be the head coach, there's a need for a lot of study and dedication. It's not easy."

Brazil has won 14 of the 17 volleyball tournaments participated under Bernardinho since he arrived in 2001. He led the team to five titles in six World Leagues, as well as to the 2002 World Championship in Argentina and to the 2004 Olympic gold medal in Athens.

Bernardinho also coached Brazil's women's team, winning two Olympic bronze medals _ in 1996 in Atlanta and in 2000 in Sydney _ and finishing second in the World Championship in 1994 in Brazil.

Bernardinho, known for his motivational skills, said he is writing a book about his nearly 13 years as head of Brazil's national teams.

Brazil hired former player Dunga to coach the soccer team after its elimination in the quarterfinals of the World Cup in Germany. He replaced Carlos Alberto Parreira, who will command South Africa, reports AP.