How Rafinha quickly helped São Paulo spark a turnaround this season | OneFootball

New sports manager of São Paulo, Rafinha has already made a difference even in a short time at the club. The former right-back completed a week in the position last Monday and transformed the environment, being an important piece in the Tricolor's reaction in the last two games.

São Paulo comes from two very important results that changed the team's course at the beginning of the season. First, the underestimated Tricolor beat Flamengo with a comeback, 2-1, at Morumbis, in the debut of the Brazilian Championship. Subsequently, they won the classic against Santos 2-0, also at home, and breathed in the Paulista.

Rafinha arrived at São Paulo with the role of being the great link between players, the coaching staff, and the board. The former player has actively participated in the club's daily routine, attending São Paulo's training sessions and games. In the match against Flamengo, for example, the sports manager was at Morumbis and participated in the locker room pep talk, supporting and believing in the team.

(Photo: Erico Leonan / São Paulo FC)

In the presentation press conference, Rafinha also made himself available to help coach Hernán Crespo if needed, but also knowing his limits as a sports manager. The Argentine reciprocated the former player's affection and highlighted that the manager has been of great help, especially for knowing many of the club's nuances.

“I am very happy with his arrival because he knows all the players very well, the whole environment. It is still a delicate moment, and he helps a lot in the day-to-day because he knows everyone very well, the employees, he helps everyone. He is a charismatic, positive guy. I am very happy because it is a complement we have at this moment,” Crespo highlighted after the victory over Santos.

“We know he can come to help me, that I can talk to him, that we have someone here with a player's trajectory and life experiences similar [to mine]. We can talk and understand each other easily. I am very happy. Slowly, the board is getting back in order again,” he added.

Squad embraces Rafinha

Even with very little time in the position of sports manager, Rafinha has already been embraced and highly praised by São Paulo players. As a constant presence in the daily routine, the former right-back has been of great importance in regaining the squad's confidence, which was coming from poor results before the reaction in the last two games.

“Rafinha is a guy who needs no introduction. He is a friend, a fan, who has always done a lot for the club as an athlete, and as a manager, he will be someone who will help us a lot. He has already been helping us, and needs no introduction. This week has been very special because these two victories bring us tranquility. We were on the rise as a team, but it was important that it came with the results. This brings more tranquility so that we can work, and shows us that we are on the right path,” said goalkeeper Rafael.

Another who praised Rafinha was Marcos Antônio, who explained that the new manager assumed the role of a leader in a short time.

“Certainly [Rafinha has been making a difference]. Rafa is a big father figure, he came to help us, we are very happy with his presence. He is a leader, even in a position above ours, not as an athlete. We have total respect for Rafa and are very grateful for him being here with us,” said the midfielder.

With Rafinha's encouragement, therefore, São Paulo has another classic ahead this midweek. The Tricolor visits Santos, at Vila Belmiro, for the second round of the Brazilian Championship.

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