Vasco calls Artur Jorge's words routine, waits for Qatar match | OneFootball

Vasco remains optimistic about hiring coach Artur Jorge, despite the official statement released by his press office. Internally, the Vasco board considers the note—which reaffirmed the coach's focus on Al-Rayyan—as a "procedural" and standard move for professionals who are employed and under contract abroad. The club believes that the negotiation is still alive and depends on field factors in Qatar.

According to information brought by journalist Lucas Pedrosa, Vasco is closely watching the result of the match between Al-Gharafa and Al-Rayyan, which takes place this Thursday (26th) at 3:30 PM (Brasília time). The match is crucial for the continental aspirations of Artur Jorge's team. If the Portuguese-led team leaves the field with a defeat, their qualification for next year's continental competition will be seriously threatened.

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Pressure in Qatar and facilitation of exit

Artur Jorge is going through a period of instability and pressure at the helm of Al-Rayyan. The Vasco leadership believes that another setback this afternoon could increase internal criticism at the Qatari club, acting as a facilitator for an amicable termination or a reduction of the R$ 30 million release clause. The "frying" scenario of the coach in the Middle East is seen as the key for Vasco's interest to turn into an agreement.

The strategy of the board led by Pedrinho is to wait for the outcome of this round in Qatar to intensify contacts. The understanding is that the official note was only meant to calm the coach's environment before a crucial game, but the desire to return to Brazilian football for an ambitious project at Vasco SAF still weighs on the 54-year-old professional's decision.

Artur Jorge may fall at Al Rayyan – Photo: Divulgação/Al-Rayyan

Vasco has a decision at Vila Belmiro

While monitoring international developments, Vasco focuses on the match against Santos for the 4th round of the Brazilian Championship. Under the command of Bruno Lazaroni, the team seeks its first victory to move out of the relegation zone. The expectation is that, depending on what happens in the Al-Rayyan game, the announcement of the new coach could accelerate by Thursday night.

The club wants to avoid that the planning for the classic against Fluminense on Sunday (1st) is hampered by the lack of definitive leadership. Besides Artur Jorge, the name of Renato Gaúcho remains a contingency plan, but all the board's hopes are pinned on the Portuguese coach's failure in Qatar to facilitate his return to Rio de Janeiro.

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