Botafogo Axes Manager Renato Paiva Despite 'Proud' Club World Cup Performance
Botafogo has officially announced the exit of head coach Renato Paiva after the club's elimination from the Club World Cup tournament.
Since taking over the position in February, Paiva managed only 23 matches with Botafogo, which included a memorable 1-0 triumph against Paris Saint-Germain during the Club World Cup group phase. However, their elimination by Brazilian rivals Palmeiras in the round of 16 became the deciding factor in his dismissal.
"Botafogo confirms that Renato Paiva will no longer serve as the first team's head coach," stated an official club announcement. "This decision was conveyed to the coach on Sunday evening (29th).
"The Club expresses gratitude to Paiva and his coaching staff for their contributions to Glorioso over the past months—particularly highlighting the memorable triumph over Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup, along with securing advancement to the knockout stages in both the Libertadores and Copa do Brasil competitions."
This coaching change represents the initial action taken by owner John Textor since the American executive stepped down from his Lyon presidency and committed to concentrating his attention on Botafogo.
"I will dedicate significantly more time to Eagle's global operations, with increased focus on Botafogo," Textor declared to media representatives prior to the loss against Palmeiras.
"I have excellent partners within the Eagle Football Group, stakeholders who will take charge of matters that I admittedly struggled with in France. I'm eager to strengthen my connection with Brazil once again."
Although Paiva has not yet made any public statements regarding his departure from Botafogo, the former manager expressed satisfaction with his tenure immediately following their Club World Cup elimination.
"The initial emotion I experienced when the referee's final whistle sounded, regardless of the match outcome, was pride," he commented. "Pride in the journey we've undertaken, in what our players have accomplished, and in our capability to compete against a formidable opponent we know intimately."