Brazilian coach Cuca open to China return

Brazilian football coach Cuca has left open the possibility of a return to China next year.

After guiding Palmeiras to their first Brazilian Serie A title since 1994, Cuca confirmed he would leave the Sao Paulo club after their final league match against Vitoria on Sunday, reports Xinhua.

Cuca, whose birth name is Alexi Stival, coached China's club Shandong Luneng in 2014 and 2015, guiding the Jinan-based club to the Chinese Cup and Chinese Super Cup.

The 53-year-old has repeatedly been linked by Brazil's media with a return to China next year.

"It could happen. I can't lie," Cuca told reporters on Monday. "I still don't have anything confirmed but there is no chance that I will coach another team in Brazil."

In the coming weeks Cuca plans to visit Europe, where he is hopes to learn from some of Europe's best coaches.

Among those he admires most are Pep Guardiola (Manchester City), Jurgen Klopp (Liverpool) and Maurizio Sarri (Napoli).

--IANS

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