Under fire, Cédric coy on staying at São Paulo: “I can’t say for sure” | OneFootball

Questioned by much of São Paulo’s fanbase, Portuguese right-back Cédric Soares gave an interview to the outlet Globo Esporte, in which he addressed speculation about his professional future and detailed his adaptation to Brazilian football. Although he took a cautious tone when asked about a possible transfer, the player reiterated how pleased he is with the club’s structure and with life in the São Paulo capital.

“São Paulo is a huge institution. I have a valid contract, I’m happy, and my family is fully settled in the city, which is incredible. I feel the support of the squad, which welcomed me very positively,” the defender said.

The player highlighted the country’s cultural passion for the sport as a distinguishing factor in his career. “Living in São Paulo and playing for this club is a unique experience. Contact with the fans on the streets shows the pride and the impact we have on families. These are experiences typical of Latin nations, where football is lived with extreme passion,” he reflected.

When looking ahead to the next stage of his career, Cédric avoided making long-term commitments. “I can’t answer definitively (about staying), but right now I feel happy and adapted. I intend to keep contributing, and the future belongs to God,” he concluded.

Physical condition and relationship with coaching staffs

When analyzing his recent time at the club, the full-back recalled the heavy minutes he played under Argentine coach Luis Zubeldía last year, when he featured in 44 matches — a mark that surpassed his previous club-level records, comparable only to his busiest spells with the Portugal national team.

Cédric also commented on the ups and downs he experienced during Hernán Crespo’s spell in charge of the Tricolor, downplaying any possible friction and emphasizing his focus on learning within the institution.

“They are different moments in players’ careers and different coaches’ decisions. In that period, maybe I wasn’t seen as an undisputed starter and he chose other options, just as at other times I was an unquestioned starter. I even played with a fractured toe because the team needed my support. I want to stress that I don’t link this specifically to Crespo, because I deal naturally with differing technical views,” he explained.

The atmosphere under Roger Machado’s management

Finally, the Portuguese defender assessed the external pressure that led to the wearing down of Roger Machado’s work at the club. According to the player, the squad was aware of the hostile environment fueled by the press and the fans, although it tried to shield its day-to-day training routine.

“The pressure on Roger was evident from the start. It’s natural for players to feel that effect; the information reaches us even if we try to avoid the daily news. Given that, the group sought unity and focus on productive work to provide a response on the pitch,” Cédric said.

The full-back concluded by highlighting the squad’s effort to absorb the coach’s methodology, pointing to the lack of favorable scorelines as the determining factor in the interruption of the project: “Roger has working characteristics different from those of the previous squad, but the group tried to embrace his philosophy. At certain moments, however, we failed to turn performances into wins, and we know that, in football, results are the crucial factor.”

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