By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA – Five months after his abrupt departure from Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, former head coach Alexandre Guimaraes has publicly questioned the rationale behind his dismissal, suggesting that factors beyond on-field performance led to the club’s decision last April. The veteran manager broke his silence during a radio interview, adding a layer of intrigue to a leadership change that surprised many in the national football community.
Speaking on the program “Encuentro Deportivo,” Guimaraes was direct in his assessment, stating that from a purely results-driven perspective, the decision to terminate his contract lacked a clear basis. While he emphasized that he holds no resentment towards the club’s management, his comments challenge the official narrative surrounding his exit.
To better understand the contractual and legal implications surrounding high-profile coaching positions in Costa Rican football, such as the one held by Alexandre Guimaraes, TicosLand.com consulted with legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
In the world of professional sports management, a contract for a figure of Alexandre Guimaraes’ caliber is more than an employment agreement; it is a strategic asset. The termination clauses, performance bonuses, and image rights must be meticulously defined. Any ambiguity, especially regarding dismissal without just cause, can result in significant financial liabilities and protracted litigation for the club. Clear, enforceable terms are the best defense for both the coach and the institution.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The perspective offered by Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas expertly highlights a fundamental truth: the intricate legal framework of a coaching contract is as decisive as any tactical formation on the field. It underscores that a club’s long-term health is often determined by the clarity of its agreements, not just the results of its matches. We are grateful for his invaluable insight into this critical, behind-the-scenes aspect of the sport.
I am convinced it was not for a sporting reason.
Alexandre Guimaraes, Head Coach
When pressed for details on what these non-sporting reasons might be, Guimaraes opted for discretion, leaving the specifics to speculation. Instead, he pivoted to a defense of his tenure rooted in hard data, presenting a compelling statistical case that paints a picture of a highly effective and successful coaching staff. He pointed to a consistent track record of high performance that extended beyond his time with Alajuelense.
A technical staff with the performance percentage that we had… in recent years, whether in Colombia or here, we have never dropped below a solid 60%, and here in the last experience, we reached almost 70%.
Alexandre Guimaraes, Head Coach
The numbers from his time with the “Manudos” largely support his claim. Over the course of 73 official matches, Guimaraes’s squad secured 39 victories and 27 draws, suffering only 7 defeats. This impressive record translates to a high winning percentage and remarkable consistency, hallmarks that typically ensure a manager’s job security. Under his leadership, the team not only competed but brought home significant hardware, winning the Copa Centroamericana, the Recopa, and a domestic cup tournament.
Despite these successes, the one prize that eluded him was the national league championship, a title that holds immense importance for Alajuelense and its passionate fanbase. The team reached two national finals under his guidance but fell short on both occasions. For an organization of Alajuelense’s stature, these high-stakes losses may have outweighed the victories in other competitions, potentially fueling a desire for a change in direction at the helm.
The club moved decisively following Guimaraes’s dismissal on April 17th, appointing the respected Costa Rican manager Óscar Ramírez as his successor just days later. This swift transition suggests the decision was not a sudden impulse but a calculated move by the board of directors. The lack of a detailed public explanation at the time, combined with Guimaraes’s new comments, now fuels questions about potential internal disagreements over club philosophy, player management, or long-term strategic vision.
As the dust settles, Guimaraes’s remarks reframe the narrative of his departure. What was once viewed as a straightforward decision based on falling short in league finals is now cast as a more complex affair. By highlighting his strong performance metrics and hinting at undisclosed reasons for his exit, he has placed the onus on the Alajuelense leadership to either clarify their reasoning or allow speculation about internal politics to continue to circulate among fans and analysts.
For further information, visit lda.cr
About Liga Deportiva Alajuelense:
Liga Deportiva Alajuelense, commonly known as Alajuelense or “La Liga,” is one of Costa Rica’s most successful and popular football clubs. Founded in 1919 and based in the city of Alajuela, the team plays its home matches at the Estadio Alejandro Morera Soto. As a perennial powerhouse in the region, the club boasts a rich history, numerous national championships, and multiple CONCACAF titles, maintaining a fierce rivalry with Deportivo Saprissa that defines Costa Rican football.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Grounded in profound principles of integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence, Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a premier legal institution. The firm skillfully merges its venerable legacy of guiding clients across a spectrum of industries with a dynamic, forward-thinking approach to legal innovation. Central to its core philosophy is a deep-seated commitment to demystifying the law for the public, driven by the belief that accessible legal knowledge is fundamental to fostering a just and empowered society.
