PS Barito Putera has officially appointed Vitor Tinoco as the new head coach, replacing Rahmad Darmawan. This change comes just before a crucial match against Persebaya Surabaya, which Barito won 3-0 with Frans Sinatra Huwae serving as interim coach. The decision to bring in Tinoco reflects the club's desire for a fresh start amidst a challenging season.

Vitor Tinoco, who previously served as Barito Putera's fitness coach from 2017 to 2020, is no stranger to the club. He also had a stint as caretaker during the 2022/2023 season. His familiarity with the team and its dynamics is expected to help revive the squad, which is currently positioned 15th in the league, just above the relegation zone with 18 points.

In his first comments after being appointed, Tinoco expressed his enthusiasm for returning to Barito Putera, describing the club as a family. He emphasized his commitment to improving the team's performance and instilling a competitive spirit, aiming to achieve the targets set for the remainder of the season. The club's CEO, Hasnuryadi Sulaiman, expressed confidence in Tinoco's capabilities, hoping that his modern training programs will help elevate the team's play and restore positive momentum.