How LeBron James set the blueprint for Brazil's turnaround under Tite

Tite used the attitude of Cleveland Cavaliers icon LeBron James as the blueprint for the atmosphere and philosophy he wanted to develop in his Brazil squad.

Brazil turned to Tite after their humiliating group-stage exit at the Copa America Centenario in 2016 spelled the end for Dunga, who sidelined stars like Thiago Silva and Marcelo during his second spell in charge of the national team.
© Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images Brazilian national team coach Tite speaks during the announcement of the team's squad for 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia on May 14, 2018 at the headquarters of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) in… Former Corinthians boss Tite recalled Marcelo for his first match in charge away at Ecuador in a World Cup qualifier, while Silva – the captain during the Selecao's ill-fated 2014 World Cup campaign – returned to the fold at a later date.

In a bid to bring his team closer together as a unit, Tite used basketball superstar James as an example of the environment he wanted to cultivate. Brazil went on to top the CONMEBOL section of qualifying and have won 15 of their 19 games under his stewardship.

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