São Paulo Dismisses Coach Hernán Crespo Amid Questionable Decisions and Ambition Concerns
São Paulo has dismissed coach Hernán Crespo due to questionable tactical choices and perceived lack of ambition despite the team's strong league position.
- • São Paulo fired Hernán Crespo on March 9, 2026, despite the team being second in Brasileirão.
- • Key reasons included questionable coaching decisions and Crespo's low ambition goals.
- • Crespo's second term included 46 matches with 21 wins, but eliminations from Copa do Brasil and Libertadores.
- • Players showed respect for Crespo at his farewell; São Paulo seeks a new coach ahead of next match.
Key details
São Paulo officially announced the dismissal of Argentine coach Hernán Crespo on March 9, 2026, alongside his assistant coaching staff. This move came as a surprise considering the team's strong position in the Brasileirão, where São Paulo sits second with 10 points. The club cited a series of questionable decisions and a perceived lack of ambition as key reasons for the termination.
Crespo’s recent controversial choices included granting the squad a 3.5-day break after elimination by Palmeiras in the Paulistão and traveling to Argentina soon after the loss. Additionally, comments by Crespo aiming for just 45 points to avoid relegation frustrated club management, contrasting sharply with the club’s higher expectations. A notable tactical decision was starting Luan, a player with limited recent playtime, in a crucial match against Palmeiras.
This dismissal ended Crespo's second tenure, which began in July 2025, encompassing 46 matches with 21 wins, 7 draws, and 18 losses. The period was marked by some progress in the league but disappointing exits from the Copa do Brasil and Libertadores. His overall record with São Paulo, including his first spell in 2021 when he won the Campeonato Paulista, stands at 99 matches with 45 wins, 26 draws, and 28 losses.
Despite the dismissal, Crespo was respected by the players, who applauded him during a farewell at training. São Paulo now searches for a new coach as the team prepares to face Chapecoense on Thursday.
The club extended its best wishes to Crespo and his staff for their future endeavors.
This article was translated and synthesized from Brazilian sources, providing English-speaking readers with local perspectives.
Source articles (2)
Source comparison
Crespo's position in the Brasileirão at dismissal
Sources report different standings for São Paulo in the Brasileirão at the time of Crespo's dismissal.
cnnbrasil.com.br
"Crespo's second term saw disappointing results in cup competitions."
estadao.com.br
"Despite leading the team to a strong position in the Brasileirão, sitting second with 10 points, Crespo's termination was a result of a series of decisions deemed questionable."
Why this matters: One source states that São Paulo was sitting second with 10 points, while the other does not mention the team's position or points. This discrepancy affects the understanding of the team's performance leading up to Crespo's dismissal.