Federation says new Brazil coach expected to be named after Christmas

The Brazilian soccer federation says discussions to select the new Brazil coach will take place between Christmas and the New Year, with the announcement expected early in January.

The federation needs to find a new coach after firing Mano Menezes on Friday, saying it was not pleased with his methods.

Federation director Andres Sanchez says "a meeting scheduled for after Christmas will determine the new coach," who "needs to be in place by January."

World Cup winning coach Luiz Felipe Scolari is the fan favorite, but Sanchez said other top coaches in Brazil could also be considered, including Muricy Ramalho, Vanderlei Luxemburgo, Abel Braga and Tite.

Brazilian media says former Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola also is a candidate, but Sanchez says he would be against hiring a foreign coach.