According to Globo Esporte Futebol, Canella stated in a press conference that he was not signalled by Baptista or his staff about his intention to leave the club. "I didn't have any signal from the staff or Eduardo that he wanted to leave. There was no contact, no negotiation," Canella explained. The president added that the club was surprised by Baptista's departure and that he had not informed them of his decision to leave.
Baptista had been in charge of Criciúma since the start of the season, but he had already been contracted by Internacional. The club's president, Pedro Paulo Canella, stated that the new coach will be announced on the same day, Wednesday. Criciúma has around 50 names in consideration for the coaching position, with Umberto Louzer being one of the candidates.
The departure of Baptista comes after a 2-0 defeat to Operário-PR in the Brasileirão Série B. The club's president, Canella, stated that they have to move on from the situation and that the new coach will be announced soon.