Villas-Boas turns down Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo director Adalberto Baptista said former Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas will not coach the club.

The South Americans are currently on the lookout for a new coach following the dismissal of Emerson Leao after growing unhappy with the 62-year-old’s work.

Baptista claims that Villas-Boas was attracted by the possibility of coaching Sao Paulo, but would only take the job if he could begin his tenure in January in order to fine-tune the squad.

“He said today that he would not accept our offer,” Baptista told Globoesporte.

“He wanted some time to plan things, and I do not have time to wait.

“It is hard to sign a foreign coach. By the time he gets things going, the ship has sunk already.

“In Brazil, you have to win the next match. Now, we are going to war, I am looking for a new coach.

“It was time for Leao to leave. Until we find a new coach, Milton Cruz will be a temporary solution.”

Villas-Boas, 34, took charge of Chelsea last summer after guiding Porto to an impressive four-trophy haul, including the Europa League, in 2010-11.

However, he failed to make his mark at Stamford Bridge and was sacked nine months into his contract after a run of just three victories in 12 Premier League matches.

Sao Paulo are eighth in the Brazilian league, with nine points from six matches.