Cafu offers to fill Brazil coaching role

Rio de Janeiro: Brazil`s 2002 World Cup-winning captain Cafu has offered to fill a coaching role under new Selecao boss Dunga.

Cafu was an outspoken critic of the team during the World Cup and was barred from entering the dressing rooms after the hosts` 1-7 semifinal defeat to Germany in Belo Horizonte. "I am always willing to help the national team," Cafu told Radio Brasil Thursday. "If the opportunity comes, great. I will look at it. If it doesn`t, I will continue hoping that the team does well." Cafu said he held no grudge against Brazil`s football confederation president Jose Maria Marin, who reportedly ordered Cafu`s dressing-room snub. "Now is the time to implement a long-term plan," the former Roma and Milan defender said. "European football has evolved a lot. It`s a good thing that Brazil now has to try to innovate too. It is nothing to be ashamed of." Dunga was appointed Brazil`s manager for a second time Tuesday. The 1994 World Cup-winning captain replaced Luiz Felipe Scolari, who resigned after the team`s failure to reach the World Cup final as hosts and pre-tournament favourites. Dunga named Andrey Lopes as his assistant and 1994 World Cup-winning teammate Taffarel as goalkeeping coach. A second assistant role, to be initially filled by former Brazil midfielder Mauro Silva, will be rotated among former Selecao players.