Scolari says he is not taking over Dunga’s job for now, could still be at the 2014 World Cup

Scolari says he’s not taking Dunga’s job

JOHANNESBURG — Luiz Felipe Scolari is not planning a second stint as coach of his native Brazil. He’s also not ruling it out.

Brazil coach Dunga hinted he will not continue in the position following Friday’s 2-1 World Cup quarterfinals loss to the Netherlands, and the Brazilian federation reportedly already is looking for a replacement.

Scolari led Brazil to the 2002 World Cup title, but says his job for the next two years will be with Brazilian club Palmeiras.

“It would be wonderful to finish my career coaching a national team in the World Cup in Brazil,” Scolari told Brazil’s Radio Eldorado in South Africa, where he is working as a commentator for a local TV network. “But I won’t be able to accept any offers until after 2012.”

Just before the World Cup, Scolari reached a two-year deal to coach Palmeiras. He will start coaching the four-time Brazilian champion club when his job ends after the World Cup.

“My focus is with Palmeiras,” Scolari said. “After my contract is over we will see if there is any national team interested for the qualifiers and the World Cup.”

Scolari worked with Palmeiras from 1997-2000, helping it win the 1998 Brazilian Cup and the 1999 Copa Libertadores.

It will be his first job in Brazil since 2002. He’s also worked at Chelsea and for Uzbekistan club Bunyodkor.

Scolari remains highly respected by fans and local media in Brazil. He reportedly was offered the Brazil job again for the 2006 World Cup, but rejected it because he was already coaching Portugal, which he led to the 2004 European Championship final and to the semifinals of the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

In addition to Scolari, there have been reports former Brazil player and AC Milan coach Leonardo could take over as coach after the Selecao’s elimination in South Africa.

Dunga replaced Carlos Alberto Parreira after a 1-0 loss to France in the 2006 quarterfinals in Germany. Despite not having previous experience as a coach, he led Brazil to significant wins and the team entered this year’s World Cup as a favorite for its sixth title.

Brazil played well in South Africa, but a bad second half against the Netherlands was enough to end the team’s tournament.

Brazil will host the World Cup in 2014 for the first time since 1950.