Vojvoda Returns to Fortaleza
Juan Pablo Vojvoda reversed his initial refusal and returned to Fortaleza as head coach for the remaining matches of the Série B season, ESPN reported.
The Argentine manager turned down an opening offer from the club on Monday (9), according to ESPN. However, by his own decision, he reopened talks with the board and agreed to lead the team through the final phase of the tournament.
Vojvoda accepts terms as coaching staff arrives
Vojvoda agreed to take charge without receiving a salary and without a guaranteed contract extension for the following season, ESPN reported. The initial rejection stemmed from a lack of planning for 2027, but the coach chose to return regardless.
BEM-VINDO DE VOLTA À SUA CASA, PROFE! 🇦🇷🦁 Juan Pablo Vojvoda DISSE SIM e assume o comando técnico da equipe nos últimos três jogos da Série B do Campeonato Brasileiro, sem custos de contrato. O retorno do treinador representa um movimento de união e mobilização de toda… pic.twitter.com/6N1JNRAMxy
The coaching staff traveling to the capital of Ceará includes assistants Nahuel Martínez and Gastón Liendo, fitness coach Luís Azpiazu, psychologist Christian Rodríguez, and goalkeeper coach Santiago Piccinini, according to ESPN. The club officially stated that the group arrives to boost morale and organize the institution during a critical period in the campaign.
Fortaleza prepares for Vila Nova and playoffs
The squad prepares to face Vila Nova on Saturday at 16:30, followed by playoffs against Criciúma, as reported by ESPN. Interim coach Reinan Santos previously managed the team in the victory over Botafogo-SP following the departure of Paulo Autuori, according to O Povo. The football department, led by SAF CEO Pedro Martins, joined the search for a new manager after the executive board and SAF administrative council dismissed Paulo Autuori.
Nação Tricolor, Diante dos recentes acontecimentos e das informações que vêm sendo divulgadas sobre o momento do Fortaleza Esporte Clube, considero importante esclarecer alguns pontos e compartilhar o posicionamento institucional do Clube. Em primeiro lugar, quero reforçar que,… pic.twitter.com/TD41hgvRPP
Historical Legacy in Ceará
During his first spell at Fortaleza, Vojvoda managed 310 official matches and secured five titles, according to the official club announcement. His trophy cabinet with the club includes the Campeonato Cearense in 2021, 2022, and 2023, alongside Copa do Nordeste championships in 2022 and 2024.
Additional milestones from his prior tenure include a third-place finish in the 2021 Copa do Brasil, top-four finishes in the Série A in 2021 and 2024, three CONMEBOL Libertadores appearances reaching the Round of 16 twice, and a runner-up finish in the 2023 CONMEBOL Sudamericana, per club records.
Questions about Vojvoda's return to Fortaleza
When did Juan Pablo Vojvoda agree to return to Fortaleza?
Vojvoda reversed his decision and agreed to return following talks initiated after his initial refusal on Monday (9), according to ESPN.
Which matches will Vojvoda manage upon his return?
He will lead the team against Vila Nova on Saturday at 16:30 and through the upcoming playoffs against Criciúma, as reported by O Povo and confirmed by ESPN.
🚨🚨🚨🚨 Fortaleza acerta a volta do treinador Juan Pablo Vojvoda. 📸 Thiago Gadelha/SVM 📰 @andrealmeidac pic.twitter.com/OcCcdafhZi
What financial terms were agreed upon for his return?
The coach agreed to assume the role without payment of salaries and without a confirmed contract for the next season, according to ESPN.
Who are the members of the coaching staff arriving with Vojvoda?
He is accompanied by assistants Nahuel Martínez and Gastón Liendo, fitness coach Luís Azpiazu, psychologist Christian Rodríguez, and goalkeeper coach Santiago Piccinini, as reported by ESPN.
OFICIAL 🚨🚨🚨🚨 Fortaleza confirma a volta do treinador Juan Pablo Vojvoda. O argentino comandará o clube nos últimos três jogos da Série B. A última rodada da competição e os dois do play off. Vojvoda não vai receber salário. pic.twitter.com/qYMbfsqzYw