Renato in frame as Vasco use free week to settle coaching search | OneFootball

Vasco da Gama have a 10-day gap before facing Palmeiras on 12 March, a window to settle their head coach and tidy outstanding squad and market issues.

According to Globo.com, Renato Gaúcho is seen as the leading candidate, and the club do not plan to wait much longer for Artur Jorge. A week on from Fernando Diniz’s dismissal, contacts with Renato should intensify.

Directors called the coach’s representative last Monday to discuss salary terms and the possibility of taking charge. Renato signalled positively to advancing talks, but no formal offer has been made.

Renato, 63, has twice managed Vasco, first from 2005 to 2007 and again in 2008.

The break is also seen as vital for the incoming coach to lift out-of-form players. Paulo Henrique and Nuno Moreira began on the bench against Fluminense for technical reasons. Brenner missed a penalty in that elimination and again drew criticism.

Off the pitch, the board are tracking options for a holding midfielder and a playmaker, though significant spending is viewed as more likely in the mid-year second window.

The international window closes on 3 March, while clubs have until 27 March to sign players who featured in Brazil’s state championships.

Vasco also plan to consult the new coach when mapping local targets, but internally believe his main task will be to restore the current squad’s level.

Source: Globo.com