Cruzeiro’s disappointing run in the 2026 Brasileirão has led to the dismissal of head coach Tite. After a dramatic 3-3 draw against Vasco at Mineirão on Sunday, March 15, the club made the decision to part ways with the former Brazilian national team coach.
In a swift move, Tite was informed of his sacking in the locker room following the match. The club’s CEO, Pedro Junio, addressed the media shortly after, explaining the reasoning behind the decision.
Cruzeiro’s Apology to Fans
Pedro Junio began the press conference with an apology to the supporters, acknowledging the team's poor performance in the Brazilian Championship. “We want to start by apologizing to our Blue Nation for our campaign in the Brasileirão. Our performance has not been up to the standards expected by our fans. Today, we have decided to part ways with Tite and his coaching staff. We thank them for their dedication and commitment, but our results have forced us to make this change,” said Junio.
O Cruzeiro informa que decidiu pelo encerramento do trabalho de Tite como treinador da equipe.
— Cruzeiro 🦊 (@Cruzeiro) March 16, 2026
Junto ao técnico também deixam o clube os auxiliares Matheus Bachi, Vinicius Bergantin e o preparador físico Fabio Mahseredjian.
Agradecemos aos serviços prestados e desejamos sucesso… pic.twitter.com/vxexgUJxGv
This decision follows a string of disappointing results, leaving Cruzeiro in a precarious position in the league.
Tite’s Departure and Cruzeiro's Struggles
Tite took over at Cruzeiro in December 2025, succeeding Portuguese manager Leonardo Jardim, who left for Flamengo. Despite his credentials, which include a successful stint with the Brazilian national team, Tite has been unable to turn things around in the league, and his tenure has been marked by inconsistent results.
Tite no comando do Cruzeiro:
— A 🏠 DO FUTEBOL (@esportesimagens) March 16, 2026
🏟️ 17 partidas
✅ 8 vitórias
🟰 3 empates
❌ 6 derrotas
🏆 1 título conquistado
Acharam justo essa demissão? pic.twitter.com/NjoxkbvZFI
Cruzeiro has failed to win in their opening six rounds of the 2026 Brasileirão, leaving them in second-to-last place with just three points. In total, under Tite’s leadership, the club has played 17 matches in 2026, winning eight (all in the Campeonato Mineiro), drawing three, and losing six, scoring 25 goals and conceding 22.
Who Could Replace Tite?
As Cruzeiro looks for a new direction, two prominent names are already in the mix to take over. Filipe Luís, former Flamengo player and coach, and Marcelo Gallardo, the ex-River Plate manager, are both available and could be potential candidates for the job.
Tite’s departure marks the end of a brief and turbulent chapter for Cruzeiro as the club seeks to recover from a difficult start to the season and move forward with new leadership.
