Juan Pablo Vojvoda was unveiled by Fortaleza on Thursday (12). The Argentine coach—recognized as the greatest in the club’s history—has returned to Laion with a goal of achieving promotion back to Série A, prioritizing the team’s needs over financial gain.
In a notable gesture, he and his coaching staff have opted to waive their salaries for the initial three weeks of their contract. Fortaleza will meet registration requirements by paying them only the minimum wage.
During a press conference, Vojvoda expressed his discomfort in demanding payment upfront due to the current financial situation of the club. He stated, “I know the financial difficulties clubs face when they get relegated. It doesn’t just happen at Fortaleza, but at many clubs. I know the club is not in the best shape financially. So, coming back to Fortaleza for three games and demanding money or a future at the club, a new contract—I didn’t feel comfortable with that.“
Vojvoda, 51, reflected on the club’s circumstances during his previous tenure from 2021 to 2025, noting that the financial environment was different back then. “I can say this openly: when I had to ask Fortaleza for money, I did. And I made money at Fortaleza, like everyone else, even the everyday staff. We all made money. That’s the truth. And you did too, because you got to travel to Sudamericana and Libertadores games.“
He added, “When the club is doing well, we all benefit. When the club is in a difficult position, I don’t feel comfortable saying, ‘I’m going to take advantage of this situation and profit financially.’ No, that wasn’t my intention, and I would feel bad about myself.“
Vojvoda and his team will receive a bonus should Fortaleza secure promotion against Criciúma. Here’s the latest on the promotion race.
The Promotion Race 🔼
Fortaleza has already secured a place in the Série B playoffs and will face Criciúma for a chance to move up to next year’s Série A. The determination of home advantage for the two-legged tie will take place after the competition’s 38th and final round.
Tigre (4th) and Laion (5th) both have 62 points; however, Tigre maintains the edge with 18 wins to Laion’s 16. On Saturday (14), Tricolor will compete against Vila Nova at Castelão, aiming to surpass Criciúma, who will host Novorizontino.
The other playoff match will pit Juventude or Vila against the sixth-placed team, which could be either CRB, Goiás, or Atlético-GO. So far, only leaders Novorizontino have secured promotion, marking the first in their history. The second automatic promotion spot will go to either Juventude or Vila.
Vojvoda at the Helm of Laion 🦁
During his previous tenure from 2021 to 2025, Vojvoda led the team in 310 matches, achieving 145 wins, 77 draws, and 88 defeats.
Under his leadership, Laion experienced its first participation in the Libertadores in 2022, finished as Copa Sudamericana runners-up, and claimed a total of five trophies.
Here are Fortaleza’s achievements under Vojvoda:
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Three Libertadores appearances (2022, 2023 and 2024)
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Two top-four finishes in the Brasileirão (2021 and 2024)
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Copa Sudamericana runners-up in 2023
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Copa do Brasil semifinalists in 2021
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Two Copa do Nordeste titles (2022 and 2024)
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Three Campeonato Cearense titles (2021, 2022 and 2023)
