The Brazilian coach has a contract until the end of 2024 with Sporting Cristal; however, his departure could happen before the end of the year
The continuity of Tiago Nunes at Sporting Cristal is in jeopardy. The Brazilian strategist closed the season with a 3-0 victory against Alianza Atlético de Sullana; however, he couldn't reach the club's objective: to face the final of the Liga1 2023 and contend for the title.
In general, Nunes' campaign has been positive: he qualified for the group stage of the Copa Libertadores and participated in the Copa Sudamericana, in addition to finishing in the Top-3 of the Liga1 2023; however, the 42-year-old coach referred to the overall balance and the opinion of the 'celeste' fans.
CONGRATULATIONS, GUYS! ????
Go, Peru! ????????#FuerzaCristal pic.twitter.com/CLBrojazOq
— Club Sporting Cristal (@ClubSCristal) October 30, 2023
"There is a big difference between being defeated and being a failure. We are aware that the fans care about the result," said the 42-year-old coach after that match at the Alberto Gallardo Stadium.
The scenario is clear for the board: they want Nunes to continue leading the team in 2024. The former coach of Paranaense and Gremio; in fact, he has a contract for the entire next year; however, his presence is not guaranteed. The reasons would come down to two key points.
According to RPP, Tiago does not agree with the handling of his players in the Peruvian National Team. In response to this, Nunes recently stated the following. "If we are only focused on the internal part, I believe that Peruvian football will not progress in the short term, the national team is suffering from that but blaming the players, something I disagree with."
The other point is related to personal matters: the Brazilian coach hopes that his family can settle in the country, something that does not solely depend on his opinion. At the moment, there is no agreement between the board and the coach.
The former Corinthians coach was in charge of the bajopontina squad in 48 official matches, of which ten were in the Copa Libertadores and two in the Copa Sudamericana: 22 wins (1 more considering the walkover against Alianza), 18 draws, and 7 defeats.
????️ @diegoreba22: "If it were Melgar or Cristal in the final, I would tell you, Melgar and Cristal are the uncomfortable teams without the ball. They need the ball. La 'U' and Alianza don't, the other day La 'U' had the ball much less against Huancayo."#AlÁngulo ????⚽️ pic.twitter.com/Cr2ax1nGbc
— Movistar Deportes (@MovistarDeporPe) November 2, 2023