Dorival frank after derby: “São Paulo’s slump is inexplicable” | OneFootball

The comeback loss to Santos at Morumbi this Friday (2) set off alarm bells at São Paulo. The result left Tricolor stuck in 11th place with 36 points, moving the team further away from the dream of a Libertadores spot — Bahia, who currently opens the G-5, has ten more points.

The setback halted the club’s hopes of making a late push in the Brazilian Championship and led to a strong outburst in the post-match press conference. Analyzing the game, coach Dorival Júnior called the team’s current run “inexplicable,” highlighting that their high attacking output is not turning into decisive goals.

“What has been happening with São Paulo at many moments is inexplicable, and that wipes out a lot of what is done on the field. I would be happy if we could turn that production into a few goals, considering what we deserved. We are here trying to explain the inexplicable. We had chances and were not fortunate at the most important moment, which is deciding games,” he said.

Job on the Line and Board Evaluation

Regarding the pressure for results and the performances falling short of expectations after a strong start to the league, when the team was competing for the top spot, Dorival took responsibility for the current phase and said the board is free to decide on his future:

“I am aware of what we are doing in there, of the moment we are going through. I am responsible for the results and I came here fully aware of what was happening. The board is free to make whatever evaluation they want. They follow our work, our dedication, our commitment. The results may not reflect what has been done day to day at the club,” he added.

Message on the Elections and the Backstage Atmosphere

With the club elections approaching at the end of the year, the coach went beyond tactical issues and called for an atmosphere of political and institutional unity so that São Paulo can return to being a major force in world football:

Institutional Unity: For Dorival, directors and board members need to put the good of the club above personal interests.

End to Divisions: The coach compared the political polarization behind the scenes to the division seen in the country, arguing that the lack of unity hurts sporting performance.

“I only believe a club will become organized and respected internally when everyone involved in that process sets aside personal interests in favor of the organization and dignity of a football club. […] We need all true São Paulo supporters to come together. We have divided clubs, the country, into political camps, and that has not been good for anyone.”

Next Match

Looking to bounce back in the standings, São Paulo returns to action next Wednesday (7) at 9:30 p.m. Brasília time, when they face Cruzeiro at Mineirão in the 29th round of the Brasileirão.

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