Hernan Crespo, the former star (50, Argentina), has parted ways with Brazilian heavyweight São Paulo FC after being dismissed amid internal unrest within the squad.
São Paulo FC, which competes in Brazil's top flight, announced on March 10 (Korean time) that it had dismissed Crespo as head coach. His coaching staff will also leave the club.
Crespo was a prolific striker for Argentina during his playing career, earning 64 caps and scoring 35 goals for the national team.
At club level, Crespo featured for River Plate in Argentina and had spells across Europe with Parma, Lazio, Inter Milan, Chelsea, AC Milan and Genoa, among others.
After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching.
Crespo began in Parma's youth system and went on to manage Modena (Italy), Banfield (Argentina), Al-Duhail (Qatar) and Al Ain (UAE).
He developed a close connection with São Paulo during his coaching career.
Crespo first led São Paulo from February to October 2021. He returned in the summer of 2025 to begin a second stint in charge.
His second spell produced solid results.
In 46 matches he posted 21 wins, 7 draws and 18 losses. Across both tenures, Crespo compiled 45 wins, 26 draws and 28 losses in 99 games.
The team also started the current season well.
Through four matches in Brazil's Série A, São Paulo recorded three wins and a draw, leaving them unbeaten.
The club sat second in the league table.
Still, the club took decisive action.
ESPN reported that the move wasn't driven by results. Rather, a deteriorating atmosphere inside the squad was the decisive factor.
Reports indicate Crespo had strained relationships with several veteran players. In particular, he reportedly clashed with Brazilian forward Lucas Moura, who once shared a dressing room with Son Heung-min at Tottenham Hotspur.
Ultimately, despite the promising start to the season, São Paulo opted to replace its head coach.
The club is expected to begin its search for a new head coach.
[Lee Geun-seung, MK Sports]
