Mexican club Cruz Azul have announced the departure of coach Pedro Caixinha by mutual consent after 19 months with the Portuguese at the helm.
Caixinha leaves Cruz Azul having won the Copa MX Apertura last year as well as the Supercopa MX this year, while coming runners-up in the Liga MX Apertura in 2018.
"We thank Mr. Caixinha, as well as his entire technical staff, for the work, commitment and effort given to the club during his management, wishing them the greatest success in their future projects,” read a statement released by Cruz Azul on Monday afternoon.
It brings to an end Caixinha’s second spell in Mexico, having experienced success both at Santos Laguna and Cruz Azul. Betting on Mexican soccer and other football leagues all over the world at 32redsport remains a good option.
Having been hired with the primary objective of making Cruz Azul champions of Mexico, Caixinha’s job came under threat when his team were knocked out at the quarter final stage of the Closing championship of 2018/19 earlier this year by America.
However, the Portuguese was backed by his board, only for an unconvincing start to the current Opening championship of 2019/20. Caixinha’s side currently sit 10th in the Apertura after eight rounds of action.
The former Nacional and Rangers coach had previously come under scrutiny by the Cruz Azul supporters for the team’s style of play, and therefore the deterioration of results led to a growing trend of online urges for the board to remove Caixinha ahead of the international break.
Overall, the well-travelled Portuguese had 86 matches in charge of the La Maquina, winning 40, drawing 25 and losing 21. Although Caixinha leaves the club with two more trophies under his belt, there will no doubt be great regret at losing the Liga MX Apertura to America in the Azteca Stadium last year.
By Sean Gillen