In Montes Claros, where North Esporte Club are preparing for a future campaign from Brazil’s fourth tier, the club have made an early and ambitious call: former Real Madrid defender Michel Salgado will become head coach in 2027.
A European name bound for Montes Claros
North confirmed Salgado’s appointment through its official social-media channels, presenting the Spaniard as the man who will lead the Minas Gerais side from 2027.
- Salgado arrives with a playing career that included two UEFA Champions League titles and four Spanish league championships with Real Madrid.
- The club described the move as a new city, new team and new challenge for the former defender.
- A video accompanying the announcement featured Salgado speaking about his interest in the project.
“I enjoy challenges,” Salgado said. “I am eager to travel to Brazil and ready to achieve strong results.”
First full-time head-coaching role
The North job will be Salgado’s first appointment as the principal coach of a senior side. His previous work on the touchline has been limited but has taken him across different parts of the international game.
- He served as an assistant to Javier Aguirre with Egypt’s national team.
- He also took temporary charge of Cypriot club Pafos.
The 2027 start gives Salgado and North time to shape a project before he takes over in earnest, with the club placing a prominent European football figure at the centre of its plans.
From Egypt’s national team to Brazil’s fourth division
Salgado worked alongside Aguirre after the Mexican coach was appointed Egypt manager in 2018, following the World Cup in Russia. Aguirre had replaced Héctor Cúper, who had guided Egypt to that tournament.
The Aguirre staff’s spell ended in the summer of 2019, when Egypt were knocked out in the Africa Cup of Nations last 16 after a 1-0 defeat to South Africa.
- Matches overseen by Aguirre and his staff: 12
- Victories: 9
- Draws: 1
- Defeats: 2
That short international assignment, lasting less than a year, remains the most substantial coaching reference point in Salgado’s backroom career as he now prepares for his first permanent role in charge.
