SÃO PAULO – Roger Machado officially stepped into the role of head coach for São Paulo on Tuesday, inheriting a team in transition following the abrupt dismissal of Hernán Crespo. The appointment, confirmed at a press conference held at the Barra Funda training center, comes at a pivotal moment for the club, currently second in the Brasileirão standings but facing internal discord and a skeptical fanbase.
Machado, who was available after leaving Internacional in September 2025, accepted the challenge with a firm resolve, acknowledging the demand to earn the trust of São Paulo’s 22 million supporters. His arrival wasn’t without controversy, as some fans openly expressed their dissatisfaction with the choice, but Machado addressed these concerns head-on, emphasizing the importance of hard work and a clear vision for the team’s future.
The decision to pursue Machado was driven by a combination of factors, including the club’s financial constraints and the urgency to find a replacement for Crespo before Thursday’s match against Chapecoense. According to reports, São Paulo’s football executive, Rui Costa, played a key role in advocating for Machado, drawing on their previous working relationship at Grêmio. This backing, however, hasn’t silenced the criticism from a segment of the fanbase.
The circumstances surrounding Crespo’s departure have added another layer of complexity to the situation. Sources indicate that Crespo’s candid assessments of the team’s ambitions – including a stated goal of merely securing 45 points in the Brasileirão and suggesting a different coach might be needed to win the championship – created friction within the club’s leadership. Machado, in contrast, presented a more optimistic outlook, aligning his message with the club’s stated aspirations for greatness and a championship run.
“I see a way for this team to play and I want the fans to identify with it and want to go to the field to see their team play,” Machado stated during the press conference. “There is no other way, it’s work. I know I have to earn the fans’ trust, it’s never been different. I’m sure they will embrace me.”
Machado’s coaching resume includes stints at Grêmio, Juventude, Atlético-MG, Palmeiras, Bahia, and Fluminense, demonstrating a breadth of experience across some of Brazil’s most prominent clubs. His last position at Internacional saw him manage 73 matches, securing 34 victories. While his track record is respectable, he’s too known for experiencing periods of decline after promising starts, a pattern that hasn’t escaped the notice of São Paulo supporters.
The speed of the managerial change has also drawn criticism, with some questioning the timing given Crespo’s recent successes. However, the club appears determined to move forward with Machado, hoping his leadership can stabilize the team and reignite their championship ambitions. The recent coach is expected to lead his first training session on Tuesday afternoon, preparing the squad for the crucial match against Chapecoense on Thursday at Canindé.
The appointment of Machado is valid until December 2026, coinciding with the end of President Harry Massis Júnior’s term. He will be joined by a team of assistants including Roberto Ribas, James Freitas, and Adaílton Bolzan, as well as physical trainer Paulo Paixão and performance analyst Guilherme Nunes. This comprehensive staff change signals a clear intent to implement a new approach to the team’s preparation, and performance.
São Paulo currently sits in second place in the Brasileirão, level on points with Palmeiras but trailing on goal difference (7-4). Maintaining their position at the top of the table will be a key objective for Machado as he settles into his new role. The upcoming match against Chapecoense represents an immediate opportunity to make a positive impression and initiate building momentum.
The situation at São Paulo is a reminder of the intense scrutiny and passionate expectations that come with managing one of Brazil’s most storied football clubs. Machado understands the challenge ahead and has vowed to earn the respect of the fans through hard work and a commitment to success. Whether he can deliver on that promise remains to be seen, but his arrival marks a new chapter for São Paulo, one filled with both opportunity and uncertainty.
What’s Next: São Paulo will face Chapecoense on Thursday, March 12th, at Canindé. This match will be Roger Machado’s first test as head coach, and a crucial opportunity to set the tone for his tenure. Kick-off is scheduled for 4:00 PM Brasília time (UTC-3).
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