Pedro Caixinha has officially taken the helm as the new head coach of Santos FC, following his arrival in Brazil on October 26, 2023. The Portuguese manager wasted no time, heading straight to CT Rei Pelé, the club's training center, where he was warmly received by club president Marcelo Teixeira and CEO Pedro Martins.
Caixinha, 54, expressed his excitement about joining such a storied club, remarking, "It is a great pleasure to represent a club of this magnitude. We all know Santos has worldwide dimension because of what was created in the past and by the figure who personifies it, King Pelé." This statement highlighted the weight of history he feels as he takes on this challenging role.
His appointment was officially announced just days before, on October 23. While this is his first stint with Santos, Caixinha is no stranger to Brazilian football, having previously led Red Bull Bragantino. During his time there, he recorded 50 wins, 36 draws, and 38 losses across 124 games. His overall performance at Bragantino was notable, demonstrating his capability to lead competitive teams.
Reflecting on his decision to join Santos, Caixinha shared his motivations, stating, "What brought me here was, obviously, what is the history of Santos, the project presented to me, total identification with the people, the president and Pedro Martins, and the way Santos plays, which I identify with." His clear articulation of these sentiments signals his readiness to embrace the club's ethos and the expectations surrounding it.
Caixinha's vision for the team is grounded firmly on the values of the club and the pride of its fans. "We want our fans to feel proud," he emphasized, signaling his mission to align the team's performance with the community's expectations.
Looking forward, Santos FC will find itself competing at numerous levels next year. The club is set to participate not only in the prestigious Série A of the Campeonato Brasileiro, but also the Copa do Brasil and the Campeonato Paulista, along with commitments to friendly matches abroad. This varied slate reflects the challenges and opportunities Caixinha will navigate as he attempts to rise to the occasion.
Before stepping onto the pitch, Caixinha's priority is to familiarize himself with the full operational infrastructure of Santos and develop preparations for the upcoming season. "Now it's time to get back to work. We are here to get to know the entire infrastructure, meet the people, make our evaluations, and begin preparations, which is the most important," he said during his visit.
With the regional tournament—the Campeonato Paulista—on the horizon and plans for upcoming friendlies taking shape, the atmosphere surrounding Santos FC is one of anticipation. Fans are hoping for renewal and success under Caixinha’s leadership.
Though he has big shoes to fill, especially following the management of Fábio Carille, who previously took the team through the Serie B, Caixinha brings with him not only experience but also aspirations of success. He aims to make his mark quickly, ready to instill his competitive spirit and strategic thinking within the squad.
The excitement surrounding his first steps at Santos is palpable, as both supporters and team members look forward to what this new chapter holds for the storied club. With ambitions for growth and signs of potential restructuring, Caixinha's leadership may be precisely the catalyst for the club's resurgence.
Only time will tell how effective Pedro Caixinha will be at Santos FC. Nevertheless, his debut at the CT Rei Pelé certainly sets the stage for what could become the next defining era for this iconic football club.
