# C.D. Nacional managerial changes

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cd-nacional-managerial-changes
> Updated: 2026-10-22T20:11:36.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

C.D. Nacional has undergone multiple coaching changes during the 2026/27 season. Following a 3-2 defeat against Rio Ave, former player Ruben Micael criticized president Rui Alves for dismissing coach João Gião after only four matches, suggesting the decision stemmed from tactical disagreements rather than performance.

Alexandre Santos succeeded Gião but was later dismissed after a period of four consecutive losses, which included an elimination from the Taça de Portugal by Sanjoanense. In response to these results, the club appointed João Henriques as the new head coach. Henriques, who previously managed Marítimo, takes over while the team sits in 16th place in the Liga Betclic.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-22: João Henriques appointed Nacional head coach

João Henriques has been appointed as the new head coach of Nacional, replacing Alexandre Santos following a series of losses.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/joo-henriques-appointed-nacional-head-coach

### 2026-10-11: C.D. Nacional faces criticism following coaching change

Former player Ruben Micael criticized C.D. Nacional's decision to dismiss coach João Gião, while new manager Alexandre Santos seeks stability following a 3-2 loss to Rio Ave.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cd-nacional-faces-criticism-following-coaching-change

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Cite as: C.D. Nacional managerial changes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cd-nacional-managerial-changes