Vasco view Artur Jorge statement as protocol, await Qatar result before stepping up move | OneFootball

According to PaponaColina, Vasco remain optimistic about hiring Artur Jorge despite an official note from his camp emphasising his focus on Al-Rayyan, which the club view as a standard, protocol move for a coach under contract abroad. They believe talks are still active and dependent on on-field events in Qatar.

Vasco are watching Thursday’s Al-Gharafa v Al-Rayyan match, set for 15:30 Brasília time on 26 February. The game is seen as decisive for Al-Rayyan’s continental ambitions, and a defeat could seriously jeopardise next year’s qualification.

Within Vasco, there is a sense that another setback would heighten internal pressure at Al-Rayyan, potentially smoothing an amicable exit or easing a R$ 30 million release clause. A worsening scenario in the Middle East is viewed as pivotal to turning interest into an agreement.

The board led by Pedrinho intend to wait for this round’s outcome in Qatar before intensifying contact. The note is interpreted as an attempt to calm the coach’s environment before a crucial fixture, while a return to Brazilian football for an ambitious Vasco SAF project is still thought to weigh for the 54-year-old.

Meanwhile, Vasco focus on Santos in the fourth round of the Brasileirão under Bruno Lazaroni, seeking a first win to leave the bottom four. Depending on events in Qatar, an announcement on the new coach could accelerate on Thursday night.

The club aim to avoid disrupting plans for the Fluminense derby on Sunday one. Renato Gaúcho remains a contingency, but the board have pinned hopes on a stumble by the Portuguese in Qatar to make a Rio return feasible.

Source: PaponaColina