“This is quintessential Brazilian football!”
You might have encountered that phrase in various discussions on social media or during sports talk shows on radio and television.
And here’s another headline for you!
Fortaleza has officially announced the termination of head coach Thiago Carpini’s contract this Thursday (23).
At first glance, this could seem just like another routine coaching change in the ever-shifting landscape of Brazilian football.
However, what’s noteworthy is that Laion currently sits in fifth place in Série B, amassing 31 points after 19 matches.
If the season were to conclude today, Fortaleza would secure a spot in the promotion playoffs.
This year, the CBF has implemented a new regulation where the top two teams in the standings automatically earn a place in Série A for the following year, while teams in third through sixth place will compete in playoff matches to vie for the final two spots in Brazil’s top tier in 2027.
Thiago Carpini, who has previously managed Vitória, Juventude, and São Paulo, was appointed head coach of Fortaleza in December 2025.
During his tenure, he led the team in 42 matches, achieving 22 wins, 11 draws, and 9 losses, while securing the Ceará state championship and finishing as runner-up in the Copa do Nordeste.
The decision to part ways with Carpini follows a 2-1 defeat to Vila Nova in the 19th round of the 2026 Série B.
This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.