Fluminense is currently navigating a transitional phase following the dismissal of coach Mano Menezes. The club has appointed Marcão as the interim manager while they search for a permanent replacement. This situation comes at a critical time, as Fluminense prepares for their Copa Sul-Americana debut against Once Caldas in Colombia.
On April 1, 2025, Odair Hellmann’s departure from Al-Raed in Saudi Arabia was officially announced, reigniting speculation about his potential return to Fluminense. Hellmann, who had been under contract with Al-Raed, was let go after a poor run of results that left the team at the bottom of the Saudi league standings. He won only one of his last 15 matches, leading to his dismissal after the club's struggles became untenable.
The announcement of Hellmann’s exit from Al-Raed has stirred excitement among Fluminense fans and officials alike. President Mário Bittencourt has long considered Hellmann a top candidate for the managerial position, especially after expressing interest in him last June when Fernando Diniz was fired. At that time, however, Hellmann was still employed, and the club opted for Menezes instead.
Now, with Hellmann available, Bittencourt may finally have the opportunity to bring him back to the club where he previously enjoyed success. During his first tenure with Fluminense, he guided the team to 23 victories in 48 matches and secured a spot in the 2021 Libertadores. His departure in 2020 came when he accepted an offer from Al-Wasl in the UAE, after which he had brief stints with Santos and Al-Riyadh before landing at Al-Raed.
As Fluminense gears up for their match against Once Caldas, Marcão, who has been serving as an assistant coach, will lead the team. He expressed confidence in the squad, stating, "We have faith in our warriors as we prepare for this important match." The game is set to kick off at 21:30 Brasília time, and the team is hoping to start their Copa Sul-Americana campaign on a positive note.
While the club is focused on the immediate challenge of the Copa Sul-Americana, the search for a new head coach continues. Maurício Dulac, who was an assistant to Hellmann during his previous tenure, is currently working as the Performance Coordinator at Fluminense. His presence could potentially influence the decision-making process regarding the next head coach.
Another name that has surfaced in the conversation for the managerial position is Dorival Júnior, who was recently dismissed from his role with the Brazilian National Team. However, reports suggest that he may take a sabbatical to regroup after his recent experiences.
The situation remains fluid as Fluminense seeks to solidify their coaching staff while simultaneously preparing for a crucial match. Fans are eagerly awaiting updates on the coaching search, especially with the potential return of Hellmann, who has a proven track record with the club.
Odair Hellmann’s journey in the Middle East has been marked by ups and downs. After leaving Fluminense, he spent two seasons with Al-Wasl before a brief return to Brazil with Santos. His time at Al-Raed was particularly challenging, culminating in a dismal record of just seven wins in 28 matches.
As the club moves forward, the focus will be on how they can leverage their upcoming match in Colombia to build momentum, regardless of who ultimately takes the helm as head coach. The stakes are high, and with the Copa Sul-Americana in play, every match counts.
In conclusion, the next few days will be pivotal for Fluminense as they aim to establish a new direction under a new coach while striving for success in the Copa Sul-Americana. The developments surrounding Odair Hellmann’s availability could play a significant role in shaping the club’s future.
