Behind the scenes: Dorival skips trip, wants Arboleda, promised signings | OneFootball

Dorival Júnior was announced this Friday (15) as São Paulo’s new head coach. But his return to the role, which he will hold for the third time in the club’s history, will take a little longer. According to what AVANTE MEU TRICOLOR learned from sources close to the coach, he insisted on starting work only next week.

In other words, Dorival will travel to the São Paulo capital only on Sunday (17) and is expected to be officially presented on Monday (18), when he will lead the only training session before the match against Millionarios on Tuesday (19), at 9:30 p.m. (Brasília time), at Morumbi, in the Copa Sudamericana.

The new Tricolor boss did not even accept executive Rui Costa’s suggestion to travel with the squad to Rio de Janeiro (RJ) and will not be present at the Maracanã for this Saturday’s (16) 7 p.m. (Brasília time) clash against Fluminense in the Brazilian Championship.

As AMT reported on Thursday (14), the salary talks between the club and Dorival were quick. Dorival immediately accepted the offer of a short contract, until the end of the year, with no release clause.

Part of what motivated Dorival to put on hold his desire to stay away from work so he could rest and watch the World Cup was the fact that it was São Paulo — his son’s favorite club, who played a key role in the negotiations so that he would accept the pay cut — and also a place where the coach knows he enjoys a certain idol status.

Out of work for 40 days, since being dismissed by rivals Corinthians, Dorival had been firm in his plans and had even refused to open talks with four other clubs before. One of them was Fluminense, who would happen to be his opponent this Saturday.

Negotiations for Dorival’s arrival dragged on throughout Thursday and into the early hours of the morning because of the coach’s doubts about São Paulo’s current situation. The new boss wanted to know details about the political backstage, finances, and plans. Who is expected to leave the squad…

One point, however, stood out. According to what was told to the report, Dorival brought up Arboleda more than once. And he admitted that he wants to bring the center back back to his best and speak to him personally. He considers him an essential part of the squad and was not pleased with the possibility of letting him go so easily.

To fully seal the deal on his arrival, Dorival emphasized the need for reinforcements. He showed knowledge of São Paulo’s current squad, but stressed that there are shortcomings. He received a promise from president Harry Massis, with whom he spoke by phone, that new names would arrive. Approaches already revealed by the directors will be reassessed by his staff.

More than ever, the break for the World Cup will be vital to establish the new face of São Paulo 2026. A face bearing Dorival’s signature in every possible aspect.

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