Pedro Caixinha Sacked by Santos After Winless League Start

Pedro Caixinha is no longer the head coach of Santos, following a disappointing start to the Brazilian league season. The club announced his dismissal on Monday, April 14, coinciding with its 113th anniversary, according to UOL. The final straw came after a 1–0 defeat to Fluminense at Maracanã, a match in which Santos failed to pose any real threat.

Caixinha took over in late 2024 and had signed a deal running through December 2026, but his tenure lasted just over three months. He led the team in 16 matches, recording six wins, three draws, and seven losses. In the Campeonato Paulista, Santos reached the semifinals before being knocked out by rivals Corinthians. However, a winless run in the first three rounds of the Brasileirao sealed his fate.

Assistant coach César Sampaio will serve as interim manager while the club searches for a permanent replacement. Neymar, who rejoined Santos earlier this year, publicly thanked Caixinha via social media, writing: “It was a great pleasure working with you. I wish you success in life. Thank you for everything!”

Per CNN Brasil, Caixinha's entire coaching staff has also departed. Local media are already linking Dorival Júnior with a potential return to the club, having previously managed Santos in three separate stints.