Gilson Kleina appointed as new Ponte Preta head coach

Gilson Kleina has been introduced as the new head coach of Ponte Preta, marking his sixth stint with the club. Kleina described the appointment as the “greatest challenge” of his career, stating his primary mission is to restore the team's performance and improve the squad's environment during the final stretch of the season.

In his initial training session, Kleina worked exclusively with youth academy players. He expressed a need to speak with the main squad to address their current attitude and motivate them to finish the season with dignity. The club is currently in a delicate position in Série B, sitting in 13th place and only three points above the relegation zone.

Kleina's official debut remains uncertain pending documentation updates in the CBF's BID system. If regularized in time, he may lead the team in their upcoming match against Avaí. The club has struggled recently, securing only one victory in its last five matches.