In what would come as unexpected news, Ariel Holan decided to bring his reign as Santos manager to an end.
Speaking at a press conference on Monday, club president Andres Rueda confirmed the exit of the Argentine tactician.
It’s reported that Holan wanted the Libertadores game against Boca Juniors on Tuesday to be his last game but he wasn’t granted that wish. With that in mind, Marcelo Fernandes, current assistant, will take charge of the team in Bombonera.
“We ponder, it was not what I wanted. The staff confuses a three-year project with a three-year contract with the coach. There is a breach of contract by any party. We ponder and by mutual agreement we accept this situation. I tried to reverse it, there was no way. There was even a case of fires in his apartment. They released a rocket. It left him in an uncomfortable way” commented Rueda.
Ariel Holan took over as Santos manager in February, taking over from Cuca at the time. However, a string of poor results made his start to life at the club a difficult one.
As per Rueda, a set of fans took their frustrations to another level after they went to protest in front of the manager’s home, following their defeat to Corinthians.
The 60-year-old leaves the club after taking charge of 12 games: and his record stands at four wins, three draws and five losses
Ariel Holan pede demissão e não será mais técnico do Santos FC. O Presidente Andres Rueda anunciou a decisão nesta manhã em entrevista coletiva. pic.twitter.com/jTHn7JXlPX
— Santos Futebol Clube (@SantosFC) April 26, 2021
Santos now return to the market on the lookout for another coach once again. As per Rueda, the club will look out for a similar profile as the one they did to get Ariel Holan.
“The profile does not change. We want a coach who likes to play with the base, who plays forward, who adds technology. We will do our best to bring in the coach more quickly. Our permanent commission exists for this: to fill these gaps between one technician and another” said Rueda.
