Leonardo Jardim decides to no longer be a coach and Cruzeiro already has a goal of replacing him with a former Brazilian team in 2026.

Cruzeiro’s elimination by Corinthians in the Copa do Brasil this Sunday was perhaps Leonardo Jardim’s last match in his coaching career. According to “ge”, the decision came from the Portuguese, who “expressed his desire to no longer work on the sidelines from 2026”. His contract with Raposa was valid until the end of next year.

The decision, according to the publication, is expected to be announced this Monday. Now, Cruzeiro returns to the market looking for his replacement for the club’s coaching position starting in January. The committee’s target is Tite, a former member of the Brazilian national team, who took a career break after his last stint at Flamengo and announced his return to football for next season.

Behind the scenes, Cruzeiro is expected to move forward in negotiations for the club’s new coach this week. It is understood that a prolonged lack of definition could hamper planning for 2026. Besides Tite, another name that appeals to the board is Artur Jorge.

This Monday again, Cruzeiro will meet Leonardo Jardim, as well as the president of the SAF, Pedro Lourenço, and the vice president, Pedro Junio, president, to align the termination agreement and seal the departure of the Portuguese from Toca.