Mano Menezes ends era with Corinthians against Guarani

The Corinthians soccer team faces Guarani on Sunday in the 11th round of play in the 2010 Brazilian Championship, marking Mano Menezes' last game as Corinthians' head coach before assuming the position of head coach of the Brazilian national soccer team.

Interestingly enough, Menezes began his time with Corinthians in January 2008 against Guarani. On that occasion, he led Corinthians to a 3-0 victory.

Just as he began his time with Corinthians, he will end it against Guarani at the Pacaembu stadium.

Menezes coached Corinthians for 184 games, leading the team to win the second division title of the Brazilian Championship in 2008, the Brazilian Cup in 2009 and the Sao Paulo state championship in the same year.

Menezes promised that he is focused on Sunday's match, leaving all the fanfare of the Brazilian national team for Monday.

The coach is expected to receive his official presentation as the national team's head coach on July 26 in the city of Rio de Janeiro.

On the same day, the coach will have to put together a roster of athletes who play in Brazil in preparation for the team's August 10 friendly against the United States in New Jersey.

Corinthians responded quickly to the news of Menezes' departure. The club hired Adilson Batista as the team's new head coach, signing a contract until December 2011. Batista will receive his official presentation to the club on July 27.

Source: Xinhua