The president of Santos, Marcelo Teixeira, announced this Monday (24) the hiring of Portuguese coach Pedro Caixinha. The bond will be valid until the end of 2026.
The club had been without a coach since November 18th. The day after winning Series B of the Brazilian Championship, the board decided to break the contract with Fábio Carille.
Teixeira also announced, on Monday, the hiring of Pedro Martins for the role of football CEO. Martins, according to Teixeira, will be responsible for the club’s signings and must decide whether Alexandre Gallo will continue at Vila Belmiro.
Born in Beja, Portugal, Caixinha led Red Bul Bragantino between 2023 and October 2024, when he was fired amidst the team’s setbacks that fought against relegation to Série B until the last round.
In addition to the Bragança Paulista club, he has worked in football in Mexico, Scotland, Argentina and Qatar.
Caixinha was also being investigated by Grêmio.
Hired by Santos, he will begin his work with the cast in the first week of January.
Back in the Brazilian Series A, the black and white team will compete in the Campeonato Paulista and the Copa do Brasil in 2025. At the beginning of January, Santos will play friendlies against Fortaleza and Miami United, in the United States.
Before announcing Caixinha’s arrival, the board tried to sign the Portuguese Luís Castro and the Argentines Gustavo Quinteros, from Vélez Sarsfield, and Gustavo Costas, from Racing.
The names of Cuca and Renato Gaúcho were also mentioned.
“The department mapped out many professionals. The decision would be made at the right time, according to responsibilities and who could decide. Several were available. The choice was not made to please the president,” said Teixeira.
