Dorival Júnior faces mounting pressure at São Paulo amid winless away run and injury crisis
São Paulo manager Dorival Júnior is enduring the worst win-rate of his third spell at the club, recording just five victories, six draws, and eight losses since returning to the Morumbi in May. Operating at a 36.8% success rate—numbers mirroring relegation form—the team remains winless away from home under his guidance in 2026. Following a 2-1 home defeat to Santos and a 2-0 loss to Cruzeiro at the Mineirão on Wednesday, the manager confronts mounting scrutiny as the squad battles both poor form and a severe injury crisis.
Cruzeiro defeat deepens struggles in the standings
Wednesday’s 2-0 loss in Belo Horizonte saw goals from Kaio Jorge and Zé Lucas hand Cruzeiro a comfortable victory, leaving a disorganized São Paulo side fortunate not to concede more. The defeat dropped the club to 36 points after 29 matches, forcing the squad into a desperate battle to secure their top-flight status. São Paulo currently requires nine points from their remaining fixtures to guarantee participation in the 2027 Série A season, placing intense pressure on upcoming home fixtures at the Morumbis.
“Foram erros coletivos que nos colocaram numa situação bem desconfortável,” Dorival stated during his post-match press conference, pointing to collective errors that forced the team into a difficult position. While the manager insisted the squad had shown signs of recovery during the return round of fixtures, he acknowledged that recent weeks have undone that progress. “Nós estamos trabalhando e tentando uma melhora. É tudo o que queremos: terminar alguma partida sem tomar gol. Sei que o momento é difícil, é complicado. Os dois últimos jogos foram penosos e problemáticos para todos,” he added.
Mounting injuries sideline key squad members
Compounding the tactical struggles, São Paulo’s medical department is currently treating eight players, severely limiting the manager’s selection options. Forward Ferreirinha entered the match against Cruzeiro at halftime but lasted only 17 minutes before suffering a physical setback that forced him off the pitch. The ongoing absence of first-team regulars—including goalkeeper Rafael, defender Domingos Duarte, and forward Luciano—has left the squad depleted at a critical juncture of the campaign.
“É lamentável, mas acontece. São situações que acompanham um mal momento, uma má jornada. É complexo você trabalhar com um número tão grande de jogadores lesionados,” Dorival lamented regarding the extensive injury list.
Lucas Moura nears return for crucial home fixtures
With matches scheduled at the Morumbis against Vitória on Saturday and Vasco on October 17, Dorival called upon the club’s supporters to turn their stadium into a stronghold. Relief may arrive in the form of midfielder Lucas Moura, whom the manager expects to be available for selection next weekend. Moura has not featured since May, when he suffered a total rupture of his right Achilles tendon during a match against Bahia. Following surgery, the club figure has resumed training with the full squad after making just 17 appearances throughout the season.
“Ele tem uma identificação, uma identidade com o clube e com certeza vai nos acrescentar muito,” Dorival said of the midfielder’s impending return.
Keep reading
