Michel Salgado appointed North EC head coach for 2027 season
Michel Salgado has been presented as North EC’s new head coach for the 2027 campaign, taking charge of the Brazilian club ahead of its Campeonato Mineiro top-flight return and first-ever Serie D season.
The 50-year-old former Real Madrid and Spain right-back has accepted the role after visiting North EC’s base in Montes Claros and being won over by the club’s facilities and long-term plans.
Salgado said the determination of the club president played a major part in his decision. “He made a huge effort to bring me in from the start and invited me to see the structure in Montes Claros,” he said.
Young squad and Brazilian adaptation
North EC will be Salgado’s first senior managerial job in Brazil after he previously worked with youth players in Saudi Arabia. He inherits a young group following the club’s 2026 Troféu Inconfidência success under former Brazil international Kleberson.
The new coach said his players are eager to progress and stressed that North EC will approach the Mineiro Championship with humility. He also made clear that his own Spanish football education will not mean forcing a wholesale change on the side.
“I have learned from many coaches and naturally have a Spanish identity, but I must adapt to Brazilian football,” Salgado said. “This is a Brazilian team and we want to add ideas without taking away its character or its view of the game.”
- Salgado replaces Kleberson as North EC head coach.
- He will lead the club in the Campeonato Mineiro’s first division.
- North EC are also preparing for a debut national campaign in Serie D.
- The side are due to compete in the Copa do Brasil as part of the expanding schedule.
Brazil legends back the move
Salgado’s switch to Brazil has received support from members of the country’s 2002 World Cup-winning squad. The former defender said he remains in regular contact with Roberto Carlos and has received messages of congratulations from Dida and Edmilson.
His playing career included a trophy-filled decade at Real Madrid before he finished at Blackburn Rovers in 2012.
What happens next
- North EC will give Salgado time to shape his squad and coaching staff before the 2027 season.
- His first competitive target will be the Campeonato Mineiro first division.
- The club will then face its biggest test yet when it enters Serie D for the first time, alongside Copa do Brasil commitments.
