LIGA MX
André Jardine confirmed as the new head coach of Liga MX side Club América
The Eagles have confirmed that the Brazilian, who led his nation’s U20 side to the gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics, will be their new manager.
After weeks of uncertainty, Club América have finally confirmed that André Jardine will take charge for the upcoming Apertura 2023 tournament.
America had been without a head coach since Fernando Ortiz resigned from the role in late May after a disappointing defeat to rivals Chivas Guadalajara in the semi-final of the 2023 Liga MX Clausura playoffs.
Jardine arrives from Atlético de San Luis, the midtable Mexican side whom he has led for the past year. The 43-year-old even took charge of a friendly fixture for Atletico on Friday, shortly before his switch to the capital was announced.
América announced the signing with a social media video asking an artificial intelligence program to ‘design’ the team’s new manager.
Who is André Jardine and who has he managed before?
Jardine’s experience in the Mexican top flight is limited to a single year with Atlético de San Luis, but he does have a solid track record coaching with some of the biggest names in Brazilian football.
He began his coaching career with the youth team of Serie A side Internacional, before moving to Gremio after ten years. Once at Gremio he progressed quickly and was made the club’s assistant manager in 2014.
From there he moved to Sao Paulo, once again beginning in the youth ranks and working his way up. In 2019 he was appointed head coach of Sao Paulo, one of the most successful teams in Brazil.
However he only lasted a few months in the role and moved to the national team set up, leading the Selecao at U20 and U23 level. With the Under-23 side he triumphed at the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo, securing a gold medal with team that included Bruno Guimaraes, Antony and Richarlison.
After that victory, he was given his first opportunity in Liga MX League, taking charge of Atlético de San Luis. He did well with the team from San Luis Potosí and his side eliminated León in the playoffs.
Now that his move to America is confirmed, he has just two weeks to prepare his new side for the Liga MX campaign.