Rehires Fortress Juan Pablo Vojvoda
Juan Pablo Vojvoda reversed his initial rejection and agreed to return as coach of Fortaleza for the remainder of the 2026 Série B season, ESPN Brazil reported.
The Argentine manager initially turned down an offer on Monday, December 9, citing concerns over the club’s planning for 2027.
The reversal brings Vojvoda back to the club without a guaranteed contract for next season and without collecting a salary for the remaining matches, according to ESPN Brazil. He will take charge for the final Série B regular-season match against Vila Nova and the upcoming promotion playoffs against Criciúma.
Coaching Staff Arrival in Ceará
Vojvoda is traveling to Fortaleza with a full contingent of assistants and support staff. The group includes assistant coaches Nahuel Martínez and Gastón Liendo, physical trainer Luís Azpiazu, psychologist Christian Rodríguez, and goalkeeper coach Santiago Piccinini, as ESPN Brazil detailed.
The staff is scheduled to land in the capital of Ceará to complete official registrations. This timeline ensures they can occupy the technical area for the match against Vila Nova on Saturday, December 14, at 4:30 p.m.
SEM RECEBER SALÁRIO, SÓ POR AMOR! Juan Pablo Vojvoda está de volta ao Fortaleza! 🦁https://t.co/GpzSNMY4BQ
Vojvoda Secured Multiple Titles and Qualifications with Fortaleza
During his initial tenure at the club, Vojvoda established himself as one of the most successful managers in Fortaleza history. He led the team to five official titles, which include three Campeonato Cearense trophies and two Copa do Nordeste championships, including the 2022 tournament victory.
His resume with the club also features three qualifications for the Copa Libertadores, a runner-up finish in the 2023 Copa Sudamericana, and a run to the Copa do Brasil semifinals in 2021. He secured top-four finishes in the Série A standings in 2021 and 2024.
Machado Denies Rumors About Contract Offers and CEO Dismissal
Club president José Rolim Machado released an official statement addressing internal management and the coaching search. Machado clarified that CEO Pedro Martins faced no dismissal discussions and that the club never offered Vojvoda a contract limited to just three games, calling such reports incompatible with the institution’s respect for the coach.
The board also considered other candidates following the dismissal of Paulo Autuori on Sunday, December 8. Fortaleza sounded out coach Alex, from Athletic, and the squad favored him as a young, modern coach who would likely be accepted by the fans.
Reinan Santos Leads Training During Coaching Search
While discussions continued, fixed assistant Reinan Santos commanded training sessions on an interim basis. The club’s football department, led by SAF CEO Pedro Martins, joined the discussions regarding the future head coach after the executive board of the association and the SAF Board of Administration made the decision to dismiss Paulo Autuori.
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