Eduardo Coudet’s turbulent stint in charge of the Galo has come to an end. Even though the team was doing great, the Argentine manager went through complicated moments in Belo Horizonte, and after a draw against Bragantino, he decided to resign to his post as Atlético Mineiro coach.
The team will not return to action until June 21, when they take on Fluminense on Matchday 11 of the Brasileirão, but the board already has to start looking for potential replacements. Here, we’ll take a look at the possible options.
READ MORE
++ Botafogo top of the table: Remember 5 historic players from the Brasileirão leaders
++ Copa Libertadores weekly round-up: How did Brazilian teams fare in Matchday 5?
++ Marcos Leonardo finishes with the U20 World Cup Silver Boot
Possible replacements for Eduardo Coudet at Atlético Mineiro
The most difficult targets
Tite: The former Brazilian national team coach has been without a job since he quit after the Qatar 2022 World Cup elimination. Although in the last few months he made it clear his priority is to work in Europe, Tite could consider a second chance at the Galo. In 2005, Mineiro were relegated to the second tier with Tite in charge.
Marcelo Gallardo: Another coach who has been a free agent since he ended a successful stint at River Plate last year. His arrival wouldn’t be easy, though. Not only does Gallardo have an expensive price tag, but he also prefers to land a job in Europe.
Juan Pablo Vojvoda: His work at the helm of Fortaleza has been impressive, but he already turned down other teams in the past. With the season in full swing, his departure appears to be unlikely.
Surprise alternatives
Bruno Lage: According to Globo, the former Wolverhampton manager has emerged as an option. Lage has been without a team since the Premier League outfit sacked him in October 2022. Previously, the Portuguese manager won two titles with Benfica.
Cuca: Former Galo manager in different stints, the coach that led Atlético Mineiro to their first ever Copa Libertadores title in 2013 is available. Cuca has recently been under heavy fire, though, having lasted only a few days in charge of Corinthians after backlash from fans for being involved in a rape case in Switzerland in 1987.
Pedro Martins: The Portuguese is under contract with Al Gharafa until June 2024, but he has already been linked with Mineiro when Coudet’s future looked up in the air. Martins won three titles in Greece during his time at the helm of Olympiacos.
Lucas Gonçalves: Perhaps the less likely option, Gonçalves would take charge on an interim basis if a new manager doesn’t sign before the Fluminense game. The board may consider this alternative if the arrival of a new coach takes longer than expected.
