Four years after being forced to step down due to poor results, Argentina’s former star forward Hernán Crespo is returning to the very same club’s dugout.
After spending several months away from coaching, Crespo is back in charge—this time once again leading São Paulo, the club he had to leave four years ago amid disappointing performances.
Since his dismissal from Al Ain in the UAE last November, 49-year-old Crespo has not held any coaching role.
The former Chelsea, Inter Milan, and AC Milan striker began his coaching career in 2015. Taking charge of his native Argentina’s lesser-known Defensa y Justicia, he made a name for himself by guiding the club to the Copa Sudamericana title in 2020, less than a year after joining.
Following that remarkable success, Crespo joined São Paulo in February 2021. His start was impressive, leading the Brazilian giants to their first state championship since 2005 within just three months of taking over.
However, despite a two-year contract, poor performances in Brazil’s top-tier Serie A led to Crespo’s departure after only eight months.
He later moved to Qatar’s Al-Duhail before joining Al Ain in November 2023. In his first season, he led Al Ain to the AFC Champions League title but lost his job following a disappointing following season.
Now, Crespo returns to his old stomping ground São Paulo, replacing fellow Argentine Luis Abelardo, who was recently dismissed.
After winning only two of their first 12 league matches, São Paulo fired Abelardo on Monday. The team currently sits 14th in the points table.
São Paulo president Julio Casares expressed his excitement over Crespo’s return:
“(Crespo) is an excellent professional, he knows the club well, has won a title here before, and it’s time for him to come back. We are delighted to have him back.”
