Al Gharafa Sports Club announced yesterday that their Brazilian coach Pericles Chamusca (right) has had his contract terminated with immediate effect. The decision was reached by the mutual consent of both parties due to Al Gharafa’s recent poor results in the Qatar Stars League.
The decision does come as a bit of a shock since earlier in the day yesterday, Chamusca had said during the pre-match press conference that he was worried about the pressure. “In Brazil every Saturday you have a new contract! I am used to working under pressure,” the Brazilian had said.
“I have a record of being the youngest coach in the first division in Brazil. I was 27 years then. So I am used to working under pressure for a long time,” he added.
Chamusca also went on to say that he had brought about a turnaround during his coaching stint with El Jaish and asked for more time to get Gharafa back on track. “Gharafa 3-4 years ago wasn’t part of the top 4. Now we are building a new team with a new identity. 80 per cent of the team is different. I had the same situation with Jaish. I prepared my team in the first half of the season. And at the end of the season, we finished second only two points from Lekhwiya. Give me time,” Chamusca had said. But his wish wasn’t granted.
The Brazilian arrived at the beginning of the season and made some good acquisitions with the signing of Alain Dioko – the league’s top scorer for two consecutive seasons and El Jaish defender Anderson(on loan for one season). Under Chamusca’s tenure, the Cheetahs did well in their first three Rounds this season with three solid wins but things took a turn for the worse when losses against Jaish and Wakrah suddenly saw the team slide down the table. Two further draws to Lekhwiya and Umm Salal respectively and a loss in Round 8 to Al Sadd began to see the Gharafa Gaffer come under sustained pressure from the local media and fans.
The Club has put Reserve Team Head Coach Habib Sadeq in charge temporarily and have stated that they will announce Chamusca’s replacement within two days. Al Gharafa are currently in 7th place with 11 points, they have won 3, drawn 2 and lost 3 this season. The Cheetahs will face Al Sailiya tomorrow.
