Football
ESPN staff 8y

Brazil boss Tite hails Gabriel Jesus, Neymar after Ecuador win

New Brazil boss Tite heaped praise on goalscorers Neymar and Gabriel Jesus after the Selecao's 3-0 defeat of Ecuador in a World Cup qualifier on Thursday.

Tite, making his debut as national team manager, weathered a shaky first half before a Neymar penalty and a late brace from the newly signed Manchester City man secured Brazil's first victory in Ecuador for 33 years. 

Tite previously coached Brazilian giants Corinthians to league, Libertadores and Club World Cup titles, and hailed some of his peers for their hand in developing Gabriel Jesus during his time at Palmeiras.

"I have to be fair. Cuca, Marcelo [Oliveira] and Oswaldo [de Oliveira] worked with Gabriel. It helped me a lot, I talked to them," Tite said.

"It is my thanks. The victory was very much thanks to them."

Tite also singled out former Santos star Neymar for his influence on what was a tight game for long stretches.

"The whole team was good, and so was he," Tite said.

"The Neymar of Brazil, originating from Santos. A technical leader ... he has several facets, competitiveness, behaviour. He fulfilled his role, closed space.

"The team had this spirit of solidarity."

Brazil will next face Colombia on Sept. 6 in Manaus.

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