São Paulo president dodges ref pressure, praises ties with Leila | OneFootball

President of São Paulo, Harry Massis did not show concern about the refereeing for the upcoming Choque-Rei. The director emphasized his confidence in Anderson Daronco, chosen by the CBF to officiate the classic, and reiterated the good relationship with Leila Pereira, president of Palmeiras.

“I think Daronco is an excellent referee, he has everything to handle the classic smoothly. We have full confidence in him, no doubts. Behind the scenes, let them discuss, we have no problems. Leila and I get along very well. They have to do this, fight for the club they work for, but we are calm,” stated Massis in an interview with ESPN.

The Choque-Rei started heating up off the field earlier this Thursday. Rui Costa, São Paulo's football executive, questioned Palmeiras' recent victories in recent clashes, suggesting help from the refereeing. Anderson Barros, Verdão's football director, countered the director's accusations.

In an interview with ESPN this Thursday, Rui Costa was questioned about Abel Ferreira's statement, who again mentioned the consequences Palmeiras felt after a controversial penalty was awarded against São Paulo in the last game at Morumbis, in October 2025.

Anderson Barros, in turn, through Palmeiras' official channel, contested the director's statements. The Palmeiras director saw an opportunistic stance from Rui Costa when talking about the recent record, in which Verdão has the advantage, and repudiated the statements that, according to him, could pressure the refereeing on the eve of the match.

And Lucas?

Massis was also questioned about Lucas Moura's medical condition and stated that the forward is calm. The number 7 fractured two ribs after a collision in the 1-0 defeat to Atlético-MG last Wednesday, in the Brazilian Championship.

“I talked to Lucas, I was very worried yesterday until he boarded with the delegation. I spoke to him in the afternoon, he is better, calm. He is aware of the difficulty he will face from now on, but he is very hopeful and confident. Soon, he will return,” said the president.

Earlier, the player spoke on social media and thanked the fans for their affection and support. “I will win this battle and soon I will be back,” wrote the athlete.

Lucas, therefore, will definitely be absent for the classic against Palmeiras, scheduled for 9 PM (Brasília time) this Saturday, for the eighth round of the Brazilian Championship, at Morumbis. With both teams tied, the match is for the leadership of the national tournament.

Next São Paulo Game

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.