‘My cycle is over’ – Brazil head coach Tite steps down after shock World Cup exit at the hands of Croatia

Tite resigned as Brazil head coach after their shock exit from the World Cup.

The South Americans were named pre-tournament favorites to go all the way to Qatar and put up a number of great performances along the way.

However, their journey ended in dramatic fashion when they stumbled to a 4-2 penalty shootout loss to Croatia in the quarter-finals to send them home.

Despite Neymar’s goal in extra time, it wasn’t enough as the European side equalized through Bruno Petkovic and sent themselves to the semi-finals of the World Cup.

The Brazilian players were visibly upset by their surprise exit in Qatar, with Neymar and Antony among those in tears on the pitch.

With Brazil now 20 years without a World Cup, Tite has confirmed his intention to step down after six years in charge.

“A painful defeat, but I am at peace with myself. It’s the end of my cycle.

“I already decided that over a year and a half ago. I’m not a two-faced guy. I wasn’t playing to win and then doing drama to stay, anyone who knows me knows that.

“It was quite a process. Before, it was a recovery process, but now there has been a whole sequel.

Asked about his performance as manager of Brazil overall, Tite replied: “Only time will tell.

“The pain, as human as it is, that I can feel… the emotions are strong. I am not in a position to evaluate all the work done. Over time you will make this assessment, I don’t have this ability now after a kill.