Portuguese coach Pepa is back in Brazilian football, now at the helm of Sport. After a stint at Cruzeiro in 2023, Pepa arrives at the Pernambuco club with the mission of taking it back to Serie A. His hiring increases the number of Portuguese coaches in both the first and second divisions of Brazilian football, surpassing even the Argentines.
With this change, Sport is trying to reposition itself in Série B and seek the long-awaited promotion. Pepa’s arrival represents new hope for the club, which sees in the Portuguese coach the ability to implement a game philosophy that will yield positive results in the championship.
Pepa at Sport: New Journey in Series B
When we talk about Pepa, we immediately think of his recent trajectory at Cruzeiro. In 2023, the coach had a promising start in the Série A, accumulating some important victories. However, the Minas Gerais team’s fluctuations resulted in his dismissal at the end of August, with a 38% success rate.
At Sport, the challenge is different. Pepa will have to deal with the pressure of a passionate fan base eager for victories. Sport has had difficult seasons and seeing Pepa take charge raises expectations of a new phase. It is believed that the Portuguese coach’s experience could be a differentiator in the quest for promotion.
Why did they choose Pepa for Sport?
Sport chose Pepa due to his tactical knowledge and leadership skills. He has demonstrated on several occasions a style of play that prioritizes organization and discipline. By choosing Pepa, Sport expects not only immediate results, but also a change in the team’s mentality.
Another point is the growing presence of Portuguese coaches in the two main divisions of Brazilian football. In addition to Pepa, we have Artur Jorge at Botafogo, Abel Ferreira at Palmeiras and Pedro Caixinha at Red Bull Bragantino, consolidating the positive image of Portuguese coaches in Brazil.
What is the Current Situation of Foreign Coaches in Brazil?
In Series A, we have:
- Arthur Jorge – Botafogo
- Gabriel Milito – Atlético-MG
- Ramon Diaz – Corinthians
- Juan Pablo Vojvoda – Fortress
- Abel Ferreira – Palmeiras
- Pedro Caixinha – Red Bull Bragantino
- Luis Zubeldia – Sao Paulo
- Martin Varini – Athletico
In Series B, the foreigners are:
- Paulo Gomes – Botafogo-SP
- Pepa – Sport
Portuguese coaches, in particular, have been increasingly prominent, as seen in Artur Jorge’s current leadership at Botafogo and Abel Ferreira’s consolidated career at Palmeiras. Pepa is now trying to join this select group with a successful campaign at Sport.
Challenges and Expectations for Pepa at Sport
Pepa’s mission at Sport will not be easy. The Pernambuco club has had a series of ups and downs and is in urgent need of a makeover. The fans, known for their passion and for filling stadiums, hope that Pepa can deliver quality football and results that will take the team back to the elite of Brazilian football.
To do this, Pepa will have his own coaching staff and some reinforcements that are already starting to arrive at the club. The hope is that, with well-structured work and patience, Sport can find the path to victories and promotion.
Finally, it is clear that Pepa’s choice for Sport is a move that denotes strategy and confidence. Whether the Portuguese coach will be able to achieve the desired success, only time will tell. But, without a doubt, it will be an interesting chapter to follow in Brazilian football.
