The Santos Football Club is in the midst of an exciting transition as it seeks to appoint a new head coach following the dismissal of Pedro Caixinha. On Monday, April 14, 2025, the club's leadership convened to discuss potential candidates, and it appears that Jorge Sampaoli is at the forefront of their plans. This meeting, deemed positive by both parties, has reignited hopes among fans for Sampaoli's return to the club where he previously achieved notable success.
After a disappointing loss to Fluminense, which ended in a 1-0 defeat, the Santos board made the decision to part ways with Caixinha. During his tenure, Caixinha managed the team in 16 matches, securing six victories, three draws, and suffering seven losses. The mounting criticism from fans and club officials following this latest setback ultimately led to his dismissal.
As the search for a new coach intensified, the Santos hierarchy initially explored other high-profile candidates, including Tite, Dorival Júnior, and Luís Castro, but all three declined the opportunity to lead the team. This series of refusals paved the way for Sampaoli, who has been without a club since leaving Rennes in January 2025, to emerge as a leading candidate.
Pedro Martins, the CEO of Santos FC, is spearheading the negotiations with Sampaoli, who previously managed the club in 2019. During that season, Sampaoli led Santos to a commendable second-place finish in the Brazilian Championship, showcasing an attractive and offensive style of play that won the hearts of fans. His tenure was marked by 64 matches, with 35 wins, 14 draws, and 15 losses, alongside a total of 102 goals scored and 55 conceded.
Despite the success, Sampaoli’s departure from Santos was not without controversy. Following disagreements with then-president José Carlos Peres, Sampaoli exited the club at the end of the season, resulting in a legal dispute that saw Santos ordered to pay R$ 4.4 million to the coach for various financial obligations. However, the current board, led by President Marcelo Teixeira, appears eager to mend fences and bring Sampaoli back for a second stint.
In a recent interview, Teixeira expressed his enthusiasm for Sampaoli's potential return, emphasizing the positive impression the coach left during his first tenure. "We believe that Jorge can help us regain our competitive edge and restore our status in Brazilian football," Teixeira stated. The board is optimistic that an agreement can be reached swiftly, with internal expectations of announcing the new head coach within the next few days.
As part of the ongoing discussions, Sampaoli has signaled his willingness to negotiate, and both sides are keen to finalize the details. The administrative aspects of the contract have yet to be formalized, but the initial talks have been encouraging. The club has scheduled a press conference for Tuesday, April 15, 2025, at 3 PM, where Pedro Martins is expected to provide further updates on the coaching situation.
The urgency to appoint a new coach is underscored by Santos’ upcoming matches in the Brazilian Championship. The team is set to face Atlético-MG on April 16, followed by a clash against São Paulo on April 20, and then a match against Red Bull Bragantino on April 27. With these critical games on the horizon, the club is eager to establish a clear direction moving forward.
In summary, the Santos Football Club is actively pursuing Jorge Sampaoli as its next head coach, aiming to bolster its performance in the Brazilian Championship. The board's optimism and Sampaoli's previous success with the team create a promising foundation for what could be a fruitful reunion. Fans are undoubtedly hopeful that the return of Sampaoli will herald a new era of competitiveness for the Peixe.
