Esporte Clube Vitória confirmed on Monday that Jair Ventura remains in charge of the squad, putting to rest the media speculation about a possible departure. President Fábio Mota assured that no official offer reached the club, reinforcing confidence in the coach's work since his arrival in September 2025.

Why did the rumors appear?

The press began to speculate after Ventura's name surfaced in inquiries linked to Vasco da Gama and a J.League side during the World Cup break. According to the executive, the contacts were informal and never turned into a concrete proposal. "He received approaches, but chose to stay at the Barradão," Mota explained, highlighting that Ventura's decision reflects his belief in Vitória's sporting project.

What did the board say about the situation?

Fábio Mota downplayed any negotiation, stating the club received no official proposal from Vasco and that there is no release clause for coaches. "Since I took over, we have never lost a coach due to lack of will. Everyone believes in the planning," he said. The president also emphasized that staying depends on both parties' wishes, but for now Ventura has no intention of leaving.

How does Ventura's stay affect Vitória?

Since taking over, Jair Ventura avoided relegation to Série B and broke a 16‑year title drought by winning the Copa do Nordeste. With 49 games in charge, he records 25 wins and leads the team into the second half of the season, aiming to keep the club competitive in the main tournaments. The technical stability also benefits players like René, who is currently the season's top scorer with 5 goals in 10 appearances.

What is the next step for the club?

With Ventura's confirmation, the focus returns to the restart of the Brazilian Championship. The board intends to strengthen the roster in upcoming windows, but without haste, prioritizing players who fit the coach's style. "We will aim to keep Vitória competitive and fight for positions that guarantee qualification," Mota concluded.

The renewed confidence among the board, coach and squad creates an environment conducive for the Lion to chase positive results in the coming rounds.