Over the years, Criciúma Esporte Clube has counted on the leadership of several coaches who have marked their era and led the team to great achievements. Meet the best coaches in the history of Criciúma.
These coaches were fundamental not only in tactical preparation, but also in the development of the players and in the creation of a winning mentality. Check out their contributions and the major titles they won.
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The 15 best coaches in Criciúma’s history
- Levir Culpi
- Felipão (Luiz Felipe Scolari)
- Luiz Gonzaga Milioli
- Gilson Kleina
- Paulo César Gusmão
- Lori Sandri
- Argel Fuchs
- Mauro Ovelha
- Vanderlei Luxemburgo
- Dorival Júnior
- Vagner Mancini
- Lisca
- Estevam Soares
- Cláudio Tencati
- Humberto Louzer
Who are the best coaches in Criciúma’s history?
Levir Culpi
Levir Culpi is one of the best coaches in Criciúma’s history. He led the team on several occasions and was a key player in the club’s growth during the 1990s. Levir is remembered for his ability to motivate the players and for implementing an attacking and organized style of play that yielded good results.
- Main titles won:
- Catarinense Championship (1991)
- Brazilian Cup (1991)
Felipão (Luiz Felipe Scolari)
Before becoming one of the most renowned coaches in world soccer, Felipão had an outstanding period at Criciúma. He is especially remembered for leading the team to the historic conquest of the Copa do Brasil in 1991, a feat that projected Tigre nationally.
- Main titles won:
- Copa do Brasil (1991)
- Catarinense Championship (1991)
Luiz Gonzaga Milioli
Luiz Gonzaga Milioli, a highly respected coach in Santa Catarina soccer, had several stints at Criciúma. He was fundamental in the formation and management of competitive teams over the years, helping to consolidate Criciúma’s status as a regional force.
- Main titles won:
- Catarinense Championship (1993)
- Santa Catarina Cup (1993)
Gilson Kleina
Gilson Kleina has coached Criciúma on several occasions and has been responsible for some of the club’s strongest campaigns in recent times. He brought an important tactical organization and managed to get the best out of his players, leading the team to good performances in domestic competitions.
- Main titles won:
- Campeonato Catarinense (2013)
- Campeonato Brasileiro Série B (2012)
Paulo César Gusmão
Paulo César Gusmão, known as PC Gusmão, had an outstanding period at Criciúma, where he managed to form competitive and well-organized teams. He is remembered for his leadership skills and for achieving good results even in adverse situations.
- Main titles won:
- Catarinense Championship (2005)
Lori Sandri
Lori Sandri was a coach who left a great legacy at Criciúma with his tactical approach and his ability to develop young players. He led the team in important moments, always with the mentality of winning and conquering titles.
- Main titles won:
- Campeonato Catarinense (2004)
- Campeonato Brasileiro Série C (2006)
Argel Fuchs
Argel Fuchs, known for his energetic and motivational style, had a successful stint at Criciúma, where he managed to impose his stamp and lead the team to great achievements. He is remembered for his intensity on the field and for getting the most out of his players.
- Main titles won:
- Campeonato Catarinense (2013)
- Campeonato Brasileiro Série B (2012)
Mauro Ovelha
Mauro Ovelha, although better known for his work with minor clubs in Santa Catarina, had an important stint with Criciúma. He is remembered for his tactical organization and for forming competitive teams that always fought for titles.
- Main titles won:
- Catarinense Championship (2006)
Vanderlei Luxemburgo
Before becoming one of Brazil’s most renowned coaches, Vanderlei Luxemburgo had an important stint at Criciúma, where he began to gain national visibility. He implemented tactical concepts that helped the club grow and consolidate itself as a power in Santa Catarina’s soccer.
- Main titles won:
- Catarinense Championship (1993)
Dorival Júnior
Dorival Júnior had an outstanding period at Criciúma, where he managed to build competitive teams with good soccer. He is recognized for his work in the training of players and for implementing an organized and efficient style of play.
- Main titles won:
- Catarinense Championship (2008)
Vagner Mancini
Vagner Mancini was another coach who left his mark at Criciúma, with good results and competitive teams. He is remembered for his leadership skills and for implementing an attacking and high-intensity soccer.
- Main titles won:
- Catarinense Championship (2013)
Lisca
Lisca, known for his unique style and his ability to motivate teams, had an important stint at Criciúma. He managed to form a competitive team that obtained good results, especially in the access competitions, standing out for his tactical and psychological work.
- Main titles won:
- Campeonato Brasileiro Série B (2012)
Estevam Soares
Estevam Soares was a coach who brought organization and competitiveness to Criciúma. He managed to form teams that always fought for titles and was responsible for some of the club’s best moments in his time.
- Main titles won:
- Catarinense Championship (2004)
Cláudio Tencati
Cláudio Tencati, with his modern approach and focus on player training, had an important period at Criciúma. He managed to build a solid and competitive team, with good results in state competitions.
- Main titles won:
- Catarinense Championship (2017)
Humberto Louzer
Humberto Louzer is remembered for his outstanding tenure at Criciúma, where he managed to lead the team to good campaigns and was fundamental in the development of organized and competitive soccer.
- Main titles won:
- Catarinense Championship (2021).
The best coaches in Criciúma’s history played crucial roles in building the club, as they led the team to titles and achievements and left a legacy of leadership, tactics and player development. To continue exploring Criciúma’s history and other soccer content, be sure to check out our other articles:
