Rio Ave does not renew with coach Petit

Rio Ave, from the Portuguese I League, confirmed this Saturday that coach Petit will not continue in charge of the team next season, in a statement published on its official website.

“Rio Ave SAD informs that the contract signed with coach Petit, valid until the end of the current season , will not be renewed. The coach will therefore no longer lead the Rio Ave main team”, revealed the Vila-Condensed club.

Rio Ave FC and Petit end their relationship.

Statement, here: https://t.co/qyByjVcb8X ℹ️ #rioavefc pic.twitter.com/guIDpNrKWC

— Rio Ave FC (@RioAve_FC) May 17, 2025

But in the same note, Rio Ave “thanks him for the professionalism and responsibility with which he has led the team since last November, wishing him personal and professional success in the continuation of his career”.

Petit, 48, arrived in Vila do Conde in November last year, to succeed Luís Freire, having, at the time, signed a contract valid until the end of this season, with an option clause for another season, which has now not been activated.

Playing for Rio Ave, Petit has played 29 games so far (24 in the league and five in the Portuguese Cup), achieving nine wins, nine draws and 11 defeats.

The team managed to reach the semi-finals of the Portuguese Cup, where they were eliminated by Sporting.

In the championship, Rio Ave finished with 38 points, one more than they achieved last season.