Former Chelsea, Inter and Milan striker Hernán Crespo, 49, now works as a coach and has secured a new job.
Hernán Crespo is back in São Paulo!
The 2021 Paulistan Master Coach, Hernán Crespo, has returned to the Tricolor! The Argentine coach takes over from Luis Zubeldía, with a contract that runs until December 31, 2026.
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Crespo doesn’t come alone – his assistant Juan Branda and goalkeeper coach Gustavo Nepote are following him back. The new coaching staff also includes assistant coach Víctor López and physical coaches Federico Martinetti and Leandro Paz.
“A reunion built on respect”
Club president Julio Casares stated:
“The relationship built between Crespo and São Paulo during his first term laid a solid foundation for mutual respect and admiration. He is an outstanding professional who already knows the club, won a title here, and now the time has come for his return. We are pleased to realize this reunification.”
Sporting director Carlos Belmonte added:
“Crespo created a strong connection to the club in his first term and left the doors open. He is a coach who has achieved success in most of his assignments, including with us, and we hope that can be repeated. He comes back with more experience and is prepared for the challenges ahead.”
The success story continues
Crespo came to São Paulo in 2021 after leading Defensa y Justicia to an undefeated victory in the 2020 CONMEBOL Sudamericana. At Tricolor, he immediately secured the Campeonato Paulista title after beating Palmeiras in the final.
Over the course of eight months, Crespo led the team in 53 games (24 wins, 19 draws, 10 losses) with a points percentage of 57%. During his absence due to covid-19, assistant Branda led the team in four games.
After São Paulo, Crespo won three trophies with Al-Duhail (Qatar): the Qatari League (2022/23), the Cup (2022/23) and the Qatari Stars Cup (2022/23). He then led Al Ain (UAE) to victory in the AFC Champions League (2023/24), which qualified them for the Club World Cup.
HERNÁN CRESPO – FACTS
- Full Name: Hernán Jorge Crespo
- Date of Birth: July 5, 1975 (49 years old)
- Place of birth: Florida Este, Argentina
- Coaching career:
Parma U19 (2014/15), Modena (2015/16), Banfield (2018-19), Defensa y Justicia (2020-21), São Paulo (2021), Al-Duhail (2022-23), Al Ain (2023-24), São Paulo (from 2025) - Titles:
CONMEBOL Sudamericana (2020), Campeonato Paulista (2021), Qatar Stars League (2022/23), Qatar Cup (2022/23), Qatari Stars Cup (2022/23), AFC Champions League (2023/24) - Awards: Campeonato Paulista Coach of the Year (2021)
A triumphant return for a coach who has already written himself into the club’s history!
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Crespo takes over as the new head coach of the Brazilian big club São Paulo on a contract that lasts until 2026. Thus, Crespo is back in São Paulo after around four years – he was coach of the club last between February and October 2021.
Crespo most recently came from Al-Ain in the United Arab Emirates, and has also coached Al-Duhail, Defensa, Banfield and Modena.
