Trust in the board. “I trust the people who are here, I know the character of each one. I understand the fans, they have every right not to believe in some things, but I’m here, putting my face out there. I know the type of person I’m dealing with. I’ve always been very transparent, I’ve never had a scratch on my image, whether at São Paulo or any club. I ask that the fans understand this moment, without them São Paulo can’t move forward. We need them. What happened wasn’t cool, it didn’t happen overnight that will change. I am not the savior of the country, nor do I have the power to do so, but I came to help. You can be sure that we will have sincerity, loyalty and transparency.
Function. “I will act as a link between the board, players and commission. This is São Paulo’s priority. Doing this shielding in the CT. I will be together with Rui, president, to look at the field. I have this experience, I lived in the locker room for 23 years. Whatever I can help with, they will consult me.”
Relationship with the cast. “I know everyone here. Same team, same people. We know the moment, on my first day I saw all of President Massis’ movement. The whole political problem, salary delays, cannot be a crutch for the players. I was champion here with delayed salary, in 2023. It’s not something normal, in any profession. We understand the moment, we respect the employees, but we can’t rely on that. I know what each one can deliver, deliver on the field. We know it’s uncomfortable, but that’s my role. We have to getting things moving on the field, recovery starts with victories, attitude, posture. We will have this change, but it’s all a process”.
Working methods. “I talked to a lot of people. I worked with Muricy for three years here. I want to extract the winning spirit, his work, suffer from defeats. I’m also a guy like that, in my career, without any arrogance, everyone knows how I was as an athlete. I want to extract the best from everyone, show the greatness of the club. It’s a new challenge, I have a lot to contribute”.
Career turnaround. “This moment is very good. I was calm in my house. I never stopped following São Paulo, I’m São Paulo, it’s part of my character. I like being in this dressing room, club environment. It’s a difficult time for big people. I had time for everything, but that wasn’t what I wanted.”
Club moment. “It’s too early to have a diagnosis of what’s happening at the club, but football has no secrets. We know what players need, a Brazilian player is different from the rest of the world. This confidence will be restored. A defeat hurts, it’s expensive, but São Paulo is very strong at home. Morumbi has to go back to being our home, the stadium that the opponent doesn’t want to come and play in. Recovering that confidence from the fans to go to the stadium and support. The change in attitude has to come from the players, showing this to the fan.”
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