In a shocking turn of events, Grêmio has parted ways with coach Gustavo Quinteros following a disappointing 4-1 defeat to Mirassol on April 16, 2025, during the fourth round of the Campeonato Brasileiro. The announcement was made by club president Alberto Guerra, who expressed his regret over the decision but acknowledged the need for change after a series of unsatisfactory performances.
Quinteros, who had been at the helm since December 28, 2024, was brought in to replace the iconic Renato Portaluppi. His tenure, however, was marred by inconsistency, culminating in the team's third consecutive loss in the league, which ultimately sealed his fate. The defeat against Mirassol not only highlighted the team's struggles but also raised questions about the tactical direction under Quinteros.
"Today was a very poor result. In the way it happened, it may have been one of the matches that left me the most embarrassed," Guerra stated during the press conference. He expressed gratitude for Quinteros' efforts but noted that sometimes, despite the best intentions, things do not work out. "We thought it best to make this decision to try to remobilize Grêmio and call our fans back. We have an important game on Saturday (Gre-Nal), and we need their support to win at home and have a good rest of the season," he added.
Quinteros' time at Grêmio was brief but eventful. He managed the team in 18 matches, achieving a record of eight wins, five draws, and five losses, which translates to a 53.7% success rate. Under his guidance, the team scored 33 goals but conceded 21, indicating defensive frailties that were often criticized by fans and analysts alike.
The Argentine-born, Bolivian naturalized coach arrived in Porto Alegre with an impressive resume, having previously won 13 national titles, including the Copa do Chile and the Campeonato Chileno. However, his inability to replicate that success at Grêmio led to mounting pressure from fans and club officials alike. The team's poor performance in the Gauchão, where they lost the final to rivals Internacional 3-1 on aggregate, further compounded the challenges he faced.
Despite a strong start in the Gauchão, where Grêmio recorded emphatic victories against teams like Caxias, São Luiz, and Pelotas, the team's form deteriorated against stronger opponents and in critical matches. Even in cup competitions, Grêmio's progression was fraught with difficulty, as they narrowly advanced past São Raimundo-RR and Athletic-MG in the Copa do Brasil, both on penalties.
In the wake of Quinteros’ dismissal, the search for a new head coach begins, with the club eyeing a replacement before the crucial Gre-Nal clash against Internacional on April 19, 2025. James Freitas, currently an assistant coach, is expected to take over as interim coach in the meantime. "It's an obvious choice for him to take charge, but we are still in discussions about the next steps," Guerra noted.
As Grêmio prepares for their upcoming matches, including a home game against Internacional and an away fixture against Godoy Cruz in the Copa Sul-Americana, the club's management is reportedly looking for a coach familiar with Brazilian football and the unique pressures of managing at Grêmio. Names like Tite and Mano Menezes have surfaced as potential candidates, alongside other free agents like Dorival Júnior and Fernando Diniz.
Guerra emphasized the importance of their next appointment, stating, "We need to find someone who can connect with our fans and understand the culture of Grêmio. The reason for Grêmio's existence is its supporters, and we want to call them back to the Arena to support us in our upcoming matches." This sentiment reflects the urgency felt within the club as they aim to turn their season around.
With the Gre-Nal rivalry looming, the stakes could not be higher for Grêmio. The team will need to rally and find a way to regain the confidence of their supporters and improve their league standing. The pressure is on for the interim coach and the players to deliver a performance that can reignite the passion of the fans.
As Grêmio embarks on this new chapter, the club's management is keen to ensure that the next coach can not only achieve results on the pitch but also restore a sense of pride and ambition within the team. The coming days will be critical as the club navigates through this transitional period, hoping to emerge stronger and more competitive in the Brazilian football landscape.
