Pedro Martins’ trajectory at Cruzeiro is marked by 68 reinforcements, changes of coaches and access to Series A | cruise

Goalless draw with Unión La Calera complicates Cruzeiro in the Copa Sudamericana

Pedro Martins went through a selection process at Cruzeiro, even though he worked with Paulo André at Athletico-PR. The manager was at the São Paulo Football Federation, before arriving at Toca da Raposa, and also worked at Ferroviária-SP.

The football director worked on the reformulation of Cruzeiro amid the arrival of SAF, alongside Paulo André and Gabriel Lima (CEO) – within the club’s current administration, the executive board has a less centralizing role than in other clubs.

In the group’s first year of work at Cruzeiro, there were two controversial exits, which caused pressure from the fans. Goalkeeper Fábio, about to complete 1,000 games for the club, did not have his contract renewed by the SAF in January 2022. There was a protest at the door of Toca da Raposa, but with demands directed at Ronaldo and Paulo André.

Since the first year of SAF management, Cruzeiro’s football board, with Pedro Martins present, has made many signings. Since he arrived at Toca da Raposa, 68 players have been signed by the club, 36 in 2022, 26 in 2023 and ten in the current season.

Despite the SAF’s speech in favor of long-term work by coaches, football management has been marked by changes of command since 2022. During this period, five coaches (Paulo Pezzolano, Pepa, Zé Ricardo, Larcamón and Fernando Seabra) were hired with participation Pedro Martins, in addition to Fernando Seabra and Paulo Autuori having led the team on an interim basis at the end of the 2023 Brazilian Championship.

With Pedro Martins at the head of the executive board, Cruzeiro’s highlight was winning the 2022 Series B. Last year, despite the difficulties throughout the Brasileirão, the team achieved its objectives: remaining in the elite and winning a place in Conmebol Sul -American.

The fans’ criticism of Pedro Martins is mainly directed at the signings made since 2022. This week, the director had his face on display in a protest held by Cruzeirenses outside the Mineirão. “Three stooges and a fat one”, said one of the posters, with photos of Pedro, Paulo André, Elias and Ronaldo Fenômeno.