Juan Pablo Vojvoda’s great work as coach of Fortaleza did not go unnoticed in Brazil. In fact, the Argentine was linked with several teams in the country, with San Pablo as his most determined suitor. However, in 2024 he will see him again on the Leão do Pici bench.
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At a press conference, he gave his reasons for continuing in the team he has led since 2021,
“The club gives me the opportunity to develop a project. Offers from other clubs do not affect my mind much. I give the board my commitment, I am committed to this project. And in difficult moments, they support me. We have achieved this unity during these years. We have spent very good moments together, with the board, the coaching staff and the entire club; in difficult moments, I felt that support”
He explains further,
Some say I don’t want to accept challenges from other (big) teams, but I have my projects here. Fortaleza has not yet reached the top and that is my challenge, for Fortaleza and Vojvoda to grow together.”
Vojvoda reacts to criticism for not assuming office in Sao Paulo
Vojvoda’s rejection of São Paulo hurt some São Paulo fans, who questioned the technical director’s “bravery” to take over a club with such high demands.
“I have the right to choose where I want to live, where I want to work and who I want to work with. It is not because they are saying that I am a coward that I am going to do what they say. I will do what I want and what I consider because it is my career. It is mine! It’s not other people’s. And I decide for myself. I choose my team, with my coaching staff. Vojvoda’s professional and personal decisions are Vojvoda’s. That’s why many times proposals came, yes. But I directly said: No. Because I have a commitment here. I can’t tell Fortaleza to wait while I talk to another team that loves me. I think it’s not correct on my part,” he clarified.
Last year, Fortaleza finished eighth in the Brasileirao and reached the final of the Sudamericana, where they lost on penalties to Liga de Quito.
“It is a new responsibility for everyone, not just for the coaching staff,” said Vojvoda in relation to 2024. “A new challenge also for the fans. I will enter my fourth season here (2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024). It will be my fourth Cearense Championship. I stayed because I have a signed contract with Fortaleza and a commitment that goes beyond a signature on the contract. When I was finishing last year, I needed time to be with the family, to think. But Fortaleza is a club with a project, we are moving forward together and my intention is to move forward together with Fortaleza,” he added.
