Hernan Crespo returns to Sao Paulo as head coach

Sao Paulo announced on Wednesday the Argentine Hernan Crespo as the team's new coach, replacing his fellow countryman Luis Zubeldia, who left the Brazilian team on Monday after terminating his contract "by mutual agreement".

Crespo, who returns to Sao Paulo after winning the Paulista Championship in 2021, signed a contract until December 31st, 2026, according to a statement released by the Paulista club.

"The relationship forged between Crespo and Sao Paulo during his first stint as coach has laid a solid foundation of mutual respect and admiration. He is a great professional who already knows the club, has won a title here and his time has come to return," said club president Julio Casares.

The 49-year-old Argentine coach first arrived in Sao Paulo after winning the Copa Sudamericana with his country's Defensa y Justicia.

After his time at Sao Paulo, Crespo coached Qatari club Al Duhail, with whom he lifted the Qatar League and Cup trophies, as well as the Qatari Stars Cup, and Al Ain of the United Arab Emirates, with whom he won the AFC Champions League.

The arrival of the Argentine is aimed at improving the Paulista club's situation in the Brazilian Championship, where it is in fourteenth position with 12 points after the unsatisfactory results achieved under Zubeldia.