Author: Soorya G
Brazilian first division side Bahia announced on Wednesday night that Portuguese coach Renato Paiva has resigned with immediate effect. Paiva had been in charge of the team since December last year, while the promoted side suffered an underwhelming campaign.
With Paiva’s departure, Bahia currently occupy 16th place in the Brazilian Championship, just one point off the dreaded relegation zone. Their most recent match ended in a
against Vasco, a match that took place in Salvador on matchday 22.
. The game against Vasco was probably the last straw for Paiva, as the draw put Bahia in serious trouble. Bahia, in 16th place with 22 points from as many games, are three points below their closest rivals and just one point off the relegation zone.
The Portuguese tactician marked his place in history as Bahia’s first coach after the club was taken over by the City Group. Paiva managed Bahia in 51 games, securing 20 wins, 15 draws and 16 defeats, resulting in a respectable win rate of 49%. Under his management, Bahia won the Bahia championship in April.
Bahia are now embarking on a search to identify a new coach to lead the team for the rest of the season. In the meantime, the reins will be in the hands of U-20 coach Rogério Ferreira. The club is trying to bring back the former Internacional and Corinthians coach, who was in charge of Bahia, albeit briefly. Whoever is chosen to take charge of Bahia will undoubtedly have the top priority of ridding the club of relegation after being promoted last season.