Sacked Pedro Caixinha receives tribute from Neymar, as Portuguese bosses make unconvincing start in Brazil
Pedro Caixinha is the first Portuguese managerial casualty of Brasileirão 2025, receiving his marching orders at Santos after just three rounds of action.
Caixinha departs Peixe after a weekend defeat to Fluminense left them in the relegation zone with one point from three matches. Meanwhile, Leonardo Jardim is enduring a tough start to life at Cruzeiro, as is Renato Paiva with reigning champions Botafogo.
Santos superstar Neymar took to social media to pay tribute to Caixinha, who was hired in December. "Mister... it was a great pleasure working with you. I wish you much success in your life, thank you for everything!” said Neymar.
Santos have been much criticised in the press for their performances across the first three games of the Campeonato Brasileiro, with many feeling the players are much better than their showings. Indeed, president Marcelo Teixeira left ominous words for the Luso boss after an opening day defeat to Vasco, telling reporters “we have the squad to have a serious season, we need to correct these mistakes.”
Caixinha’s reputation in Brazil is likely to remain credible, given he spent almost two full seasons impressing as boss of fellow Sao Paulo side RB Bragantino before his stint with Santos. Caixinha is an immensely well-travelled coach, having undertaken projects in Mexico (three times), Qatar, Scotland, Saudi Arabia and Argentina outside his homeland.
Jardim, Paiva, Pepa struggling for wins
Leonardo Jardim has just 1 victory from 7 matches in charge of Cruzeiro, although their 1-1 draw at São Paulo on Sunday was largely received as a step in the right direction for the Belo Horizonte side. Kaio Jorge’s second-half equaliser earned Jardim’s side a draw and leaves them on four points from their opening three matches, meaning they occupy 12th place.
Despite the absence of key men such as Gabriel Barbosa and Dudu, Cruzeiro avoided a fourth straight defeat in all competitions thanks to an improved defensive display, which is being treated by plenty of observers as stopping the rot. Nevertheless, Jardim will be under some pressure to deliver a return to winning ways when Cruzeiro host Bahia on Wednesday.
Perhaps the toughest job undertaken in the close season was Renato Paiva assuming control of Brazilian and South American champions Botafogo, following the departure of Artur Jorge to Qatari football. Paiva got off to a decent start in Brasileirão with a 0-0 draw at Palmeiras on opening day.
Since then results have been mixed, with two wins and two defeats across league and the Copa Libertadores. The latest match at the weekend saw Paiva’s side beaten 1-0 at RB Bragantino in Sao Paulo. The defeat leaves Botafogo in much need of attacking inspiration, with Paiva’s side ranked the third-worst team in the league at converting shots into goals.
Finally, for ex Paços Ferreira and Vitória Guimarães boss Pepa, the objective with Sport Recife is clear: avoid relegation. Pepe secured promotion with Sport from Serie B last term, but finds his side bottom of the standings with one point from three matches following a 3-1 loss to Vasco da Gama.
Sport’s opening two matches were tough, with a trip to Sao Paulo (0-0) followed by a home match against Palmeiras, which brought a controversial 2-0 defeat. Pepa’s side will be hoping for better fortune when they host RB Bragantino on Wednesday.
By @SeanGillen9