The football coach plays a crucial role in the formation and performance of a team, as they are responsible for developing strategies, training players, making tactical decisions during matches, inspiring, and motivating the team. Want to know the best coaches in Cruzeiro’s history? Stay tuned to our list!
Throughout the history of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube, several coaches have left their mark, leading the team to great achievements and helping to build a tradition of victories.
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Best Coaches in Cruzeiro’s History
Ayrton Moreira
Ayrton Moreira was Cruzeiro’s coach from 1964 to 1967. He is remembered for leading the club to its first major national achievement, the 1966 Brazilian Championship, when Cruzeiro defeated Pelé’s Santos in the final.
Trivia:
- Ayrton Moreira is the brother of Zezé Moreira, another legendary Cruzeiro coach.
- He was a pioneer in the use of tactical training and physical preparation for players.
Zezé Moreira
Zezé Moreira led Cruzeiro from 1975 to 1977, leading the team to win the 1976 Copa Libertadores, the club’s first international title.
Trivia:
- Zezé Moreira is considered one of the most successful coaches in Brazilian football history.
- He is also known for his career as a player before becoming a coach.
Vanderlei Luxemburgo
Vanderlei Luxemburgo had two stints at Cruzeiro (2002-2004 and 2015). In 2003, he led the team to win the Triple Crown: Campeonato Mineiro, Copa do Brasil, and Campeonato Brasileiro. Certainly one of the best coaches in Cruzeiro’s history.
Trivia:
- Luxemburgo is one of the most respected coaches in Brazilian football, with stints at major clubs and the Brazilian National Team.
- He is known for his offensive style and for developing young talents.
Luiz Felipe Scolari
Luiz Felipe Scolari, also known as Felipão, had three stints at Cruzeiro (2000-2001, 2020, 2023). In 2001, he won the Copa Sul-Minas and returned to the club in difficult times, helping to stabilize the team.
Trivia:
- Felipão was the coach of the Brazilian National Team in the 2002 World Cup victory.
- He is famous for his motivational style and strong leadership.
Marcelo Oliveira
Marcelo Oliveira led Cruzeiro from 2013 to 2015, winning two consecutive Campeonato Brasileiro titles (2013 and 2014) and the 2014 Campeonato Mineiro. He is also considered one of the best coaches in Cruzeiro’s history.
Trivia:
- Marcelo Oliveira was also a player for Cruzeiro before becoming a coach.
- He is known for his ability to build balanced and competitive teams.
Paulo Autuori
Paulo Autuori had two stints at Cruzeiro (1997, 1999-2000). He won the 1997 Copa Libertadores and the Campeonato Mineiro in the same year.
Trivia:
- Autuori is known for his meticulous work and international experience.
- He also won the FIFA Club World Cup with São Paulo in 2005.
Levir Culpi
Levir Culpi had several stints at Cruzeiro (1996, 1998-1999, 2005). In 1996, he won the Campeonato Mineiro and the Copa do Brasil.
Trivia:
- Levir is known for his strong personality and good humor.
- He has extensive experience in Brazilian and Japanese football.
Adílson Batista
Adílson Batista led Cruzeiro from 2008 to 2010 and again in 2019-2020. He took the team to the runner-up position in the 2009 Copa Libertadores and won the Campeonato Mineiro in 2008 and 2009. His talent earns him a place among the best coaches in Cruzeiro’s history.
Trivia:
- Adílson was a respected defender before becoming a coach.
- He is known for his tactical and detailed approach.
Mano Menezes
Mano Menezes had two stints at Cruzeiro (2015, 2016-2019). He won two Copa do Brasil titles (2017 and 2018) and two Campeonato Mineiro titles (2018 and 2019).
Trivia:
- Mano also coached the Brazilian National Team from 2010 to 2012.
- He is recognized for his ability to build solid defenses and competitive teams.
Cuca
Cuca led Cruzeiro from 2010 to 2011, winning the 2011 Campeonato Mineiro. He is remembered for his offensive and creative style.
Trivia:
- Cuca is one of the most charismatic coaches in Brazilian football.
- He also won the Copa Libertadores with Atlético Mineiro in 2013.
Jair Pereira
Jair Pereira had three stints at Cruzeiro (1987-1988, 1992, 1995). He won the 1991 Supercopa Libertadores and the 1987 Campeonato Mineiro.
Trivia:
- Jair is known for his versatility and ability to adapt to different squads.
- He has extensive experience in Brazilian football and other South American teams.
Yustrich
Yustrich led Cruzeiro on two occasions (1972 and 1977). He is remembered for his disciplinarian style and for the runner-up position in the 1977 Copa Libertadores.
Trivia:
- Yustrich was known as “The Stone Man” due to his rigorous style.
- He also had a successful career as a goalkeeper.
Procópio Cardoso
Procópio Cardoso coached Cruzeiro in several stints (1978, 1981, 1986). He was responsible for maintaining the team’s competitiveness in various competitions.
Trivia:
- Procópio also had a successful career as a defender.
- He is respected for his tactical knowledge and leadership.
Ilton Chaves
Ilton Chaves was a coach who had a significant tenure at Cruzeiro Esporte Clube in the 1980s. Known for his strategic approach and focus on tactical discipline, Chaves played a crucial role in solidifying Cruzeiro as a competitive team on the national stage. Under his leadership, the club achieved important victories in the Campeonato Mineiro and had strong performances in national competitions. His ability to motivate players and his detailed vision of the game made him one of the respected coaches by fans and sports critics alike.
Oscar Bernardi
To conclude the list of the best coaches in Cruzeiro’s history, we have Oscar Bernardi, who coached Cruzeiro in 1997, helping in the transition of the team that won the Copa Libertadores.
Trivia:
- Oscar is a former defender of the Brazilian National Team, with participation in World Cups.
- He is known for his strong defensive presence and tactical organization.
List: best coaches in Cruzeiro’s history
- Ayrton Moreira
- Zezé Moreira
- Vanderlei Luxemburgo
- Luiz Felipe Scolari
- Marcelo Oliveira
- Paulo Autuori
- Levir Culpi
- Adílson Batista
- Mano Menezes
- Cuca
- Jair Pereira
- Yustrich
- Procópio Cardoso
- Oscar Bernardi
- Ilton Chaves
The history of Cruzeiro Esporte Clube is marked by great coaches who significantly contributed to the club’s achievements and tradition. Each of them brought their unique skills and left a legacy that is remembered to this day.
If you enjoyed recalling the best coaches in Cruzeiro’s history, keep following our articles to learn more about the trajectory of Brazilian football and the icons who built it.
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