Leonardo Jardim appointed Cruzeiro coach through 2026

Leonardo Jardim has been appointed as the new head coach of Cruzeiro, with a contract extending until the end of 2026. This follows his departure from Al Ain in the UAE Pro League, where he struggled with inconsistent results, winning only five of 15 matches. Jardim's hiring signals Cruzeiro's attempt to regain its former glory in Brazilian soccer after recent struggles, having spent time in Série B. His experience includes a successful tenure at AS Monaco, where he led the team to the Ligue 1 title and the Champions League semifinals. With an all-Portuguese coaching staff alongside him, Jardim faces the challenge of instilling a winning mentality in a club still searching for its identity. The pressure for immediate results in Brazilian soccer raises questions about the duration of his tenure and whether he will be given enough time to implement his strategies.