Former Brazil Coach Tite Takes Break for Health Reasons

SAO PAULO (AP) — Former Brazil soccer coach Tite announced on Tuesday that he is pausing his professional career for an undetermined period to address physical and mental health issues. The 63-year-old had been preparing to sign a contract with Corinthians, a club he previously led to multiple trophies.

Tite, who coached Brazil from 2016 to 2022, experienced an anxiety attack before traveling from Rio de Janeiro to Sao Paulo. This led him to reconsider his current state and seek necessary help. ‘I have to understand that, as a human being, I can be vulnerable. Admitting to that will certainly make me stronger,’ Tite stated.

The coach expressed his love for the job but acknowledged the importance of noticing and responding to the signs his body was signaling. ‘I decided to do what is best now and interrupt my career to take care of myself as long as I need,’ he said.

Corinthians confirmed they were close to finalizing a contract with Tite, who was expected to take over coaching duties shortly after. However, due to his difficult decision, those plans will now be paused.

Tite was dismissed from Flamengo on September 30, 2023, after less than a year in charge. Since then, he has stayed out of coaching.