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 adopted a cautious tone when asked about a possible transfer, the player reiterated his satisfaction with the club’s structure and with everyday life in the capital of São Paulo.

“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,” said the defender.

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 in the streets shows the pride and 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 performance and relationship with coaching staffs

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

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

“These are different moments in players’ careers and coaches’ decisions. During that period, maybe I wasn’t seen as an unquestioned starter and he chose other options, just as at other times I was an undisputed 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 naturally deal with differing technical views,” he explained.

The atmosphere under Roger Machado

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

“The pressure on Roger was evident from the beginning. 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 an answer on the pitch,” Cédric reported.

The full-back concluded by highlighting the squad’s effort to absorb the coach’s methodology, pointing to the lack of favorable results as the determining factor in the discontinuation of the project: “Roger has working characteristics different from those of the previous staff, 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.