A BRAZILIAN football manager quit at half-time after a blast from the owner – leaving the club doctor to guide the team to victory.
Dr. Jorge Oliva was forced to take over – and guided the shellshocked players to a 2-1 away victory after Paulo Roberto Santos walked out after criticism about the players’ performance.
The extraordinary turn of events occurred during Brasilense FC’s match at Real Brasilia in the Serie D championship, the fourth division in Brazil, on Sunday.
The score was goalless at the break but two late strikes from Kaio Nunes were enough to give Brasiliense the three points.
However, the disappointing first half was capped by the shock managerial resignation.
The club said in a statement on X after the game: “During half-time in the game between Real Brasilia and Brasiliense, coach Paulo Roberto Santos, dissatisfied with the criticism he received from the club president for the poor performance of the team in the first half and the first two games of the competition, decided to leave the team’s command together with other members of the coaching staff.
“During the second half, Brasiliense improved and ended up as 2-1 winners.”
It was announced the following day that Luis Carlos Winck had been appointed to replace Santos as manager of the side in a second statement.
It said: “After the 2-1 victory against Real Brasilia on Sunday, the directors began negotiations with the coach and formalised an agreement yesterday morning.”
Winck is due to be presented at an official ceremony later today.
CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
The announcement was met with a mixed reaction by fans on social media.
One joked: “The doctor had a lot of potential, what is this!”
Another said: “The doctor should have been allowed to continue as coach.”
Brasiliense FC was founded 23 years ago and was promoted to Brazil’s Serie A top-flight league in 2004.
Unfortunately for them they suffered relegation shortly afterwards.
The club also became the youngest finalist of the Copa do Brasil in 2002.
That was the first time it had competed in the cup competition.
