São Paulo bounce back after poor run, pressure eases on Crespo | OneFootball

São Paulo finally gave a response — and with style — to the fans after a negative streak of three games without a win at the start of the season. The Tricolor came from behind to beat Flamengo 2-1 at Morumbis, in the first round of the Brazilian Championship.

The result was extremely important for São Paulo, which needed to find its way back to victories amidst the crisis, and there was no better way than doing it against the current Brazilian and Libertadores champion.

The fans were already becoming impatient with the team's lack of results. Seconds after the ball started rolling, some fans chanted phrases like “Much respect for the Tricolor jersey, sons of b***.” After the final whistle, the timid protests gave way to much applause and chants of pride.

The atmosphere of accountability in the locker room was essential for the response against Flamengo, according to Luciano. The forward revealed that the players had a strong conversation after the defeat to Palmeiras over the weekend.

“After the game against Palmeiras, we talked a lot in the locker room, we demanded improvement from each other, and one of the things I said was for everyone to look in the mirror and see what they were doing wrong. I start with myself. Run more, dedicate more, fight more for the jersey on the field, and today we ran, we dedicated ourselves. At 1-0, we didn't give up, despite it being Flamengo. We needed this turnaround and I hope we can build a winning streak,” said the number 10.

The same sentiment was echoed by midfielder Danielzinho, who scored the winning goal against Flamengo. This was the player's first goal wearing the club's jersey at Morumbis.

“Every time we step on the field, the responsibility is very big, regardless of whether it's Paulista or Brazilian. But the group is very united, very closed, and convinced of what it will do. The pressure comes naturally, it has to exist. It's not just in defeat. When we win or lose, we know we have things to improve. But the pressure was very positive, we know our responsibility. It was very positive and is having an effect,” the athlete pointed out.

Result eases pressure on Crespo

The victory over Flamengo also serves to ease the pressure on coach Hernán Crespo. The coach had been the target of criticism from some fans. Additionally, he made recent controversial statements that caused discomfort behind the scenes at São Paulo.

The most recent of these concerns the club's ambitions in the Brasileirão. Crespo said that São Paulo's goal in the tournament would be 45 points, which is usually the 'cut-off mark' to avoid relegation. However, the president Harry Massis went against this and stated that the coach's projection was “modest”.

After the victory over Flamengo, Crespo downplayed the statement and explained that it was said to “protect the squad.” The justification was validated by Luciano, who made it clear that São Paulo needs to fight for the top positions in the standings.

“If he said it was to shield us, good. But let's think game by game, then we'll say what São Paulo really wants. São Paulo must always aim for the top of the table, that's non-negotiable. This thing of ‘oh, 45 points’ can't happen. No, no, no. I think it was more to shield the squad. Let's go day by day, step by step to achieve more things,” commented Luciano.

Situation in the standings

With the result, São Paulo ended a streak of three games without a win — consisting of one draw and two losses. The Tricolor also debuted with a victory in the Brazilian Championship and earned the first three points, taking third place.

Upcoming São Paulo matches

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