Pedrinho admits frustration over exits, but backs Artur Jorge at Cruzeiro

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·10 September 2026

Pedrinho admits frustration over exits, but backs Artur Jorge at Cruzeiro

Cruzeiro’s majority shareholder and the head of its SAF, Pedro Lourenço, reaffirmed his confidence in Artur Jorge’s work and guaranteed the continuation of the project led by the Portuguese coach. In an interview with the club’s official YouTube channel this Thursday (10), Pedrinho said the plan is for the manager to remain until 2030 and ruled out any possibility of changing course after the eliminations from the Copa Libertadores and the Copa do Brasil.

The executive acknowledged that the recent results caused frustration within the club. Cruzeiro were knocked out of the Libertadores in the round of 16 by Flamengo and were eliminated in the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals by Atlético-MG. For Pedrinho, the early exits from both competitions also caused discomfort among those in charge of the club’s football operations.

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“These cup eliminations left us very distressed and saddened. Not only the fans — we also did not expect to be eliminated so early. We are working every day, and the fans are right to demand more. I will never stop the fans from demanding anything at Cruzeiro.”

Despite the pressure for results, Pedro Lourenço said Cruzeiro do not intend to change the plan established for Artur Jorge. According to the executive, the coach’s work needs to be assessed within a long-term project, not based on a single result or a specific run of matches.

“We have a plan, which is Artur Jorge until 2030, and we are not even considering any disruption along the way. A plan cannot be about one game — it is about five years. Artur has been doing a great job; our time will come. I know what they (the fans) are feeling, because I am a fan too. I have already said this to the players and the coach: our time will come. The fans are the backbone of the club, and I will never go against our supporters.”

Pedrinho defends the fans’ right to demand more

During the interview, Pedro Lourenço also commented on the incident that took place at Mineirão before the win over Athletico-PR last Sunday (6). The executive had argued with a fan and later said that his remarks ended up being shared without the context that prompted his reaction.

Pedrinho made a point of clarifying that he did not intend to confront Cruzeiro’s fanbase as a whole. According to him, the comment was directed specifically at one supporter.

“What came out during Saturday’s game was not the full context of the situation. I complained to one individual fan, and the context was not included. I would never do that to the fans, and they have that right.”

The executive also once again highlighted the importance of the fans to the club and said he understands the demands being made at this moment of dissatisfaction with the results in the knockout competitions.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.