Cotia full-back dropped by Julio Baptista: “He banned swearing” | OneFootball

Left-back Cuiabano is going through a very difficult spell at São Paulo. A standout in the youth ranks last season, the player lost his place in the under-20 squad after the coaching change and the arrival of Julio Baptista, a situation that led his camp to seek a transfer to another team.

Despite interest from the market, São Paulo’s board has turned down the offers made for the youngster’s departure. There were reportedly two from major Brazilian clubs and one from Portugal.

The club’s stance created a deadlock with the player’s representatives, who argue that he needs to play regularly at this stage of his development and professional growth. The information was reported by journalist Raisa Simplicio, of Placar.

Cuiabano, believe it or not, is a player represented by Bertolucci Sports, owned by agent Giuliano Bertolucci, one of the most influential agents in world football, who in recent weeks reached an agreement with São Paulo over the payment of a debt that had climbed to R$ 76 million.

Criticism of Baptista’s methodology

At the same time as the search for a new club, people from the Tricolor player’s camp expressed dissatisfaction with Julio Baptista’s conduct, the coach hired in April to lead the under-20 side on a contract running through December 2028.

Among the guidelines implemented by the former player at the Cotia training center are the ban on the use of cell phones during meals, travel, and pre-match moments, as well as the prohibition of swearing during training sessions and matches — measures aimed at discipline and the players’ behavioral development. The coach himself confirmed the measures in a recent interview with Globo Esporte.

“He even banned swearing,” said a source close to the player, according to the journalist, highlighting the friction caused by the new rules of conduct.

Separate training and uncertainty in the market

At the moment, the coaching staff believes the full-back does not fit the profile planned for the next phase of the work. Given this situation, Cuiabano has not been included in the squad for the team’s most recent matches and has been training separately from the main group. The left-back is under contract with São Paulo until the end of 2028.

While the player’s agents argue that an immediate transfer is the ideal path to ensure playing time and technical development, São Paulo’s board is taking a cautious approach. The club’s leadership recognizes the player’s potential and expects his value to rise in the future, refusing to let him go without suitable financial guarantees.

An 18-year-old left-back, Geovanne Cuiabano has appearances for Brazil’s under-17 national team, but has made only three appearances for São Paulo’s youth side in the 2026 season.

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