Kléberson has left the coaching staff at New York City FC, according to an Instagram post he put up late last night. The former Manchester United star who won the 2002 FIFA World Cup with Brazil joined the NYCFC coaching staff in July of 2022, when he left the Philadelphia Union to work under then-interim head coach Nick Cushing.
The club hasn’t issued a statement as of the publication of this post. (Updated October 30: NYCFC confirmed Kléberson’s departure when they announced the club’s 2024 roster moves.)
Writing in both English and Portuguese, Klebérson said “After a year and half of an incredible experience, ending a cycle that was very important to me, thank you New York City FC for welcoming me with great affection and respect, I wish all of success, my gratitude and thank you for staff members, coaches, players and NYCFC fans, I will always be cheering for all!!!” The post was put up at around 10 pm on Saturday, October 28.
Kléberson’s announcement comes on the heels of a statement issued by the club expressing support for sporting director David Lee, Cushing, and “the entire Sporting department.” The vaguely worded announcement implied that nobody on staff would lose their position despite the 2023 NYCFC squad failing to make the MLS Cup Playoffs while putting up some of the worst numbers in club history.
Presumably, this means that Kléberson made the decision to leave NYCFC.
The 44-year-old joined the NYCFC coaching staff with much fanfare. The former midfielder was a vital part of the Brazil squad that won the 2002 FIFA World Cup. He was a starter in the final against Germany, providing an assist for one of Brazil’s two goals.
This post will be updated as more information becomes available.
Was he waiting in the wings, perhaps?