The Santos coach was in the running for the national team job which was given to Mano Menezes two years ago and is in contention again, and believes it should not now be given to a foreigner like Pep Guardiola.

"Guardiola is a great coach but the problem is he does not know the Brazilian culture," said Ramalho.

"Brazil has won five World Cups and five times the coach was Brazilian. Local coaches should be respected such as Felipćo, Tite, Abel [Braga] and myself."