Vasco Matos in talks with Vasco to replace Renato Gaúcho | OneFootball

Vasco Matos is among Vasco's targets to replace Renato Gaúcho, with talks in recent days about the project and how his ideas could fit the squad, according to Globo.com.

The former forward retired in 2016, took UEFA coaching courses, then became Leixões assistant in Portugal's second tier. After a short spell at Vilafranquense in 2017, he made waves at Alverca in 2019 by beating Sporting 2-0 in the Taça de Portugal.

He truly came to prominence at Santa Clara from 2023, winning the second division. In 2024/2025 they finished fifth in the top flight. After eight games without a win, he was dismissed in January this year.

His sides were defensively strong, conceding 19 in the promotion season. The following year Santa Clara had the fifth-best defence in 2024/2025, allowing 32 in 34 matches.

Discipline underpins his work. He often used three centre-backs in a three-four-three, with a cautious attack. Santa Clara typically sat in a low block and attacked in transition.

At Santa Clara he coached Matheus Nunes, known as MT, once a Vasco academy attacking midfielder, who became a left wing-back and defender. His work attracted Botafogo, and a 2025 move fell through late over bureaucratic differences. Matos wants to work abroad and sees Brazilian football as a good next step.

Source: Globo.com