Author: Shreyas Sharma
In an important announcement, Corinthians revealed the return of Mano Menezes as the team’s coach, taking over from Vanderlei Luxemburgo. The contract, signed by the club, runs until the end of 2025, marking Mano’s third spell in charge of the Parque São Jorge club.
Mano Menezes, a familiar face to Corinthians fans, first managed the team from 2008 to 2010 and then during the 2014 season. His initial tenure with the club was incredible, as he took Corinthians back to the pinnacle of Brazilian soccer. Under his leadership, the team won the Série B title in 2008, as well as triumphs in the Campeonato Paulista and Copa do Brasil in 2009. The following season, however, he was unable to repeat the same level of success in terms of titles.
During his combined tenures, Mano Menezes oversaw the team in 248 matches, amassing an impressive record of 136 wins, 64 draws and 48 defeats, which equates to an impressive success rate of 63%.
Mano Menezes returns to the Corinthians team, currently in 11th place in the Brazilian Championship with 30 points. Although they remain in contention, they are ten points behind a place in the coveted Libertadores qualifying zone and are precariously positioned just five points above the relegation zone.
Corinthians also have their sights set on the Copa Sudamericana, where they are in the semi-finals of the competition. The first leg ended in a 1-1 draw against Fortaleza at the Corinthians Arena. The eagerly awaited second leg is scheduled for next Tuesday and promises to be a thrilling encounter at the Castelão.
Mano Menezes wasted no time in taking charge and has already been training with the team. He’s ready to make his official debut this Saturday in a high-profile clash against São Paulo at the Morumbi. By taking on the role, Mano will become Corinthians’ fifth coach by 2023, which indicates the dynamic nature of the club’s administrative situation.
Curiously, the announcement of Mano Menezes’ return comes ahead of schedule. Benjamin Back, presenter of Domingo com Benja, had already hinted at Mano’s preference to lead Timão in 2024. However, the unexpected departure of Vanderlei Luxemburgo hastened Mano’s return to Corinthians.