Grêmio hierarchy stop short of confirming Luís Castro as coach, promise targeted reinforcements | OneFootball

Grêmio unveiled its new football department at the Arena on Wednesday, but stopped short of confirming Luís Castro as head coach despite talks being advanced. The hierarchy said the manager would be appointed soon to shape recruitment.

According to Globo.com, new football executive Paulo Pelaipe, returning after a 2011-2012 spell, said signings will follow the coach’s ideas, stressed respect for the current squad and promised only targeted additions. He added the first objective is to hire the coach, arguing there is no point recruiting players who do not fit his style.

New vice-president of football Antonio Dutra Junior acknowledged negotiations to hire a coach are under way, but denied any agreement, saying deals would only be confirmed once completed. He asked to keep the department’s focus away from transfer specifics for now.

Pelaipe noted that negotiations need time, with proposals and counterproposals, and said they would like a swift resolution because the coach is central to assembling the squad and identifying reinforcements.

Technical coordinator Luiz Felipe Scolari, retained from the previous regime, avoided confirming any deal with Castro but praised him as an excellent coach and person, recalling meetings in Portugal and during his Botafogo stint.

Also present were president Odorico Roman, CEO Alex Leitão and football director Rafael Lima. The new board formally took office on Monday and had been working on transition and planning for 2026 since winning the election.

Source: Globo.com