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Cleber Xavier, a Brazilian international coach who became the Head Coach of Santos FC on April 29, 2025, has been sacked from the role. The 61-year-old, who has managed a total of 15 games for the Campeonato Brasileiro side, earning five wins, six losses and four draws, has been ousted from the role following Santos FC's 6-0 humiliation against Vasco da Gama on Monday morning.
Santos FC were thrashed by 16th placed Vasco da Gama in their league match. The fans could not hold back their pain and anger after a shambolic performance from the team and turned their back towards the entire squad in protest. Following the embarrassment faced by the entire team, the club came to an agreement and decided to sack their manager Cleber Xavier with immediate effect.
Santos FC in search for new manager as they eye comeback
The 61-year-old has been sacked from his job after a short period of just 15 matches. Before becoming the head coach of Santos FC, Xavier was working as an assistant coach for the Brazil national team under the management of Tite. The club posted a statement on their social media which stated, "Santos Futebol Clube announces the departure of coach Cleber Xavier. The club thanks the coach for his services and wishes him luck in his future career."
According to the latest reports, the candidates who are favorites to take on the job following the departure of Cleber Xavier are Juan Pablo Vojvoda and Jorge Sampaoli. Both of these coaches are highly regarded by the President of Santos FC, Marcelo Teixeira. It will be interesting to see who takes on the job in the coming days and if they can manage to help Santos FC rise from their ruins.
