São Paulo divided: trophies fail to silence Casares critics | OneFootball

Julio Casares' presidential tenure at São Paulo is coming under renewed scrutiny following the club’s recent Copa do Brasil exit, with critics arguing that his leadership may leave a negative mark on the club’s future, according to Arquibancada Tricolor.

Despite delivering two trophies—the Copa do Brasil and Campeonato Paulista—Casares faces pointed criticism from sectors of the São Paulo press. Journalist Gabriel Fuhrmann voiced a common sentiment among detractors, stating, "Casares achieves the impossible: even with titles in the Copa do Brasil and Paulista, his management is comparable to or even worse than several trophyless spells at the club. The decisions made under this administration will echo for many cycles, including their own." The remarks reflect a sense that silverware has not masked deeper organizational concerns.

Fuhrmann’s critique touches on the perception that, though tangible success has returned, São Paulo’s internal structure and financial planning remain deeply flawed. Concerns focus on the club’s spending patterns, management of football operations, and strategic direction. While specific details of the legacy in question are not elaborated in Fuhrmann’s assessment, the repeated theme is one of unsustainability—that recent successes may come at a cost paid in future instability.

This wave of criticism follows São Paulo’s elimination from the Copa do Brasil, a result that came after a penalty shootout defeat against Athletico Paranaense. While much of the immediate post-match discussion centered on controversial referring decisions and specific squad issues, attention has swiftly shifted to broader questions of governance and club culture.

There is a sentiment among some supporters and observers that Casares’ administration, despite its achievements, has not adequately addressed São Paulo’s underlying vulnerabilities. For these critics, the mere arrival of new trophies does not erase fears about the long-term health and strategic vision of the club.

As São Paulo look to move past their Copa do Brasil disappointment and refocus on the Brasileiro campaign, debate around Casares' approach and the sustainability of recent successes is likely to intensify. Whether the current leadership can reconcile short-term triumphs with a stable, positive legacy remains a pressing issue for a club still navigating complex challenges on and off the pitch.

(Source: Arquibancada Tricolor)

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