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Dani Alves: Guardiola wanted Brazil job - but was turned away

The fullback remains bemused by the decision not to give the former Barcelona boss the post prior to the World Cup last summer.

Barcelona and Brazil defender Dani Alves has claimed Pep Guardiola was turned down for the Selecao head coach job before the World Cup.

The former midfielder has long been credited with an interest in taking on the Brazil post and is thought to have been in the running in the autumn of 2012, as the Brazilian Football Confederation sought a replacement for Mano Menezes.

Brazil ultimately handed the role to 2002 World Cup-winner Luiz Felipe Scolari, who oversaw the triumph at the 2013 Confederations Cup prior to the World Cup on home soil which saw the team exit at the semifinal stage thanks to a now infamous 7-1 thrashing by Germany.