Guimaraes Says Alajuelense Exit Was “Surreal”: “They Fired Me Without Losing”

Speaking from Cali, Colombia, Costa Rican coach Alexandre Guimaraes finally addressed his unexpected dismissal from Liga Deportiva Alajuelense. In an interview with Win Sports, Guimaraes described his exit as “surreal,” noting the rarity of being fired despite an undefeated record. “Usually you’re let go after a string of losses or due to a change in project. But never for not losing,” he said with a laugh.

Guimaraes took the Alajuelense job to complete a personal goal: managing Costa Rica’s four major clubs. It also allowed him to work alongside his son and pursue titles—which he achieved by winning the Central American Cup and the domestic Copa. “We were undefeated, but football is full of surprises,” he added.

He also reflected on his deep affection for América de Cali, a club he led to a league title and where he still feels at home. He’ll be attending their Copa Sudamericana clash against Huracán on Wednesday, but made it clear he’s in town for personal matters. “I came to resolve something left pending from my last stay. Nobody paid for this trip, I covered everything myself,” he clarified on Zona Libre de Humo.

Guimaraes, a two-time World Cup coach with Costa Rica, named Serbian manager Bora Milutinović as his mentor and guiding figure in coaching.