After the departure of Leonardo Jardim and the refusal of Artur Jorge, Raposa advances negotiations with the former coach of the national team and beats Internacional’s offer.
December 15
2025
– 9:21 p.m.
(updated at 9:45 p.m.)
Cruzeiro’s management has acted behind the scenes with surprising speed and is about to define its new commander for 2026. After formalizing the departure of the Portuguese Leonardo Jardim this Monday (15), the Minas Gerais club sent an emissary directly to Tite’s residence, in Rio de Janeiro, to seal the deal. The official announcement is expected to take place this week, perhaps within the next few hours, if the final bureaucratic details are resolved. The information comes from the journalist Paulo Vinícius Coelho, from “Uol”.
Before concentrating all its resources on the former coach of the Brazilian team, the celestial management attempted a bold move. The initial plan included the hiring of Artur Jorge, former Botafogo coach and 2024 Libertadores champion. However, the negotiation was hampered by the high fine demanded by Al-Rayyan, the Qatari club where the professional is today. Faced with financial impasse and the need for rapid market response, Raposa changed course and began conversations with Tite.
Tite seduced by the Cruzeiro project
The Rio Grande do Sul coach, who led Brazil at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, was also in Internacional’s sights. Colorado was in talks with the coach, but had not formalized any verbal agreement. In this protest scenario, the financial power of Cruzeiro SAF weighed heavily. The proposal presented by the miners exceeds the values proposed by the Porto Alegre team. In addition to the salary question, Raposa’s sporting project, which offers real chances of winning the Brasileirão next year, appealed to the commander.
On the other hand, the family factor still plays in favor of Inter, because it would allow Tite to return to live near his relatives in Rio Grande do Sul. However, there is great optimism in Belo Horizonte. The board understands that Tite’s experienced profile fits perfectly with the club’s ambition to maintain its newfound national prominence in 2025.
The technical change of command comes at a crucial time. Leonardo Jardim left his position due to personal problems and exhaustion, even after leading the team to third place in the Brazilian Championship and the semi-finals of the Copa do Brasil. Now, Tite’s mission will be to take this solid foundation and turn it into a championship team next season.
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