Hernan Crespo sacked as manager of club for the second time as statement released

Hernan Crespo has left the Sao Paulo job for the second time in less than five years.

The Argentinian first joined the Brazilian side in February 2021 but departed eight months later, despite Campeonato Paulista success.

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Crespo, a former striker for Parma, Inter Milan and Chelsea, returned to Sao Paulo as head coach in June.

However, he has been dismissed once again after they were knocked out of the 2026 Campeonato Paulista semi-finals.

Sao Paulo were beaten 2-1 by Palmeiras, and released a statement to confirm Crespo’s exit.

Sao Paulo sack Crespo

“Sao Paulo Football Club confirmed on Monday the departure of head coach Hernan Crespo,” it read.

“Also leaving the club are assistants Juan Branda and Victor Lopez, physical trainers Federico Martinetti and Leandro Paz, and goalkeeping coach Gustavo Nepote.

“The 2021 Paulista champion, Crespo began his second stint at Morumbi in July 2025.

“Since then, he has managed the team in 46 matches, accumulating 21 wins, seven draws, and 18 losses.

“Combining both stints, there were 99 matches under the Argentine coach’s command, with 45 wins, 26 draws, and 28 losses.

“There were also four matches in which Crespo was absent due to health issues and was represented by Juan Branda, all in 2021 (two draws and two losses).

“Sao Paulo wishes success to Hernan Crespo and his technical staff in the next stages of their careers.”

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According to journalist Andre Hernan, a lack of connection with the Sao Paulo players is said to be a reason for Crespo’s exit.

Hernan also cited a ‘lack of alignment’ with the squad in training, line-up choices and long breaks as other factors.

Crespo’s playing and managerial career

A two-time Argentinian title and Copa Libertadores winner at River Plate, Crespo moved to Europe in 1996 for Parma.

He lifted the Coppa Italia, UEFA Cup and Supercoppa Italiana during a glittering spell that delivered 80 goals across four seasons.

Crespo then joined Lazio, where he netted 48 times over 73 matches, before signing for Italian giants Inter in 2002.

Just a year later, the striker completed a permanent move to Chelsea, although he hit just two goals in his first season.

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A loan move to AC Milan followed a year later and he helped them to reach the Champions League final, ending in defeat against Liverpool, although he did score twice.

Crespo went back to Chelsea and won the 2005/06 Premier League title, before returning to Inter to win three consecutive Serie A titles.

After a short spell at Genoa, he made his way back to Parma and later retired in November 2012.

His coaching career began at Parma’s youth side and continued with a move to Italian club Modena, who dismissed him less than a year into the job.

Parma came calling yet again in 2017 with the role of vice president and then club ambassador, before he joined Banfield in Argentina.

This short managerial spell was followed by a stint at Defensa y Justicia until February 2021 when he joined Sao Paulo.

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Qatari side Al Duhail appointed him a year later, with the club winning a domestic treble during his first season.

Crespo later moved to Al Ain in Saudi Arabia, but was sacked in November 2024 after they lost 5-1 to Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr.