Scolari hits out at Brazil's World Cup critics

Rio de Janeiro, July 31 (IANS) Football coach Luiz Felipe Scolari says he has been publicly "execrated" following Brazil's World Cup exit earlier this month.

The 65-year-old, who quit his post as Brazil coach days after the tournament, has taken charge of local top-flight club Gremio for a third time, reports Xinhua.

He admitted to "needing a hug" following Brazil's 1-7 World Cup semifinal defeat to Germany and subsequent 0-3 loss to the Netherlands in the match for third place.

Scolari hit back at critics, insisting he still had the support of most Brazilian fans.

"I had a bad match and was then execrated by people involved in football via the press. It wasn't the public," Scolari said during a press conference Wednesday.

The 2002 World Cup-winning coach replaces Enderson Moreira as Gremio's manager after the team's 2-3 loss to Coritiba in Brazil's Serie A Sunday.

Scolari previously coached the Porto Alegre club in 1987 and from 1993 to 1996. During his second spell he led the club to the 1994 Copa do Brasil, the 1995 Copa Libertadores and the 1996 Brazilian league title.

"I've been here twice before and always had a marvellous relationship," Scolari said. "I came back at this moment because I need a hug, some affection, people who know me and Gremio is the right place, because I know that the players and the supporters will be with me.

"Everyone knows that I'm a Gremio fan. The only invitation that I would accept is from Gremio. I'm at home and happy to be at the club again. There's nothing better than being here today."

Gremio are 10th in the league standings with 19 points from 12 matches.