São Paulo FC is currently embroiled in uncertainty as the future of head coach Luis Zubeldía hangs in the balance following five consecutive matches without victory. The Tricolor, historically one of Brazil's most successful clubs, has already secured its spot in the quarterfinals of the Campeonato Paulista but the mood around the club is anything but celebratory.
The mounting criticism directed at Zubeldía, exacerbated by the failure to utilize young talent effectively and the apparent disconnect between him and certain squad members, has sparked rampant speculation about his job security. It is within this cauldron of discontent, characterized by fan disquiet and management challenges, where whispers of Fernando Diniz's potential return to the club have gained traction.
According to Joana de Assis, from SporTV, Diniz is being considered by some factions within the club as one of the solutions to the current leadership crisis. His experience and previous tenure at the club, which lasted from September 2019 until early 2021, makes him a candidate many officials reportedly favor, especially those who have worked closely with him previously. Despite this, there are factions within the São Paulo board of directors who are not entirely sold on the idea of bringing Diniz back.
The potential return of Diniz, who has also held managerial roles at Fluminense and most recently at Cruzeiro, is not without controversy. Reports indicate there was a recent meeting between São Paulo board members and Diniz’s agent, Giuliano Bertolucci, to discuss the viability of the move. This has fueled discussions about Zubeldía’s future, especially since Zubeldía is anticipated to meet with club directors to discuss his performance and outline plans for improvement.
Although the region within the appeal, the sentiment is split. Some supporters, represented by Baby, the president of the Independente fan group, feel the constant speculation surrounding Zubeldía’s future is damaging. “The Diniz rumors provoke unnecessary tension. We are not just going to throw our coach out the door at the first sign of trouble, just as we opposed the exits of previous managers like Rogério Ceni and Hernán Crespo,” he expressed during a live discussion.
The current situation is precarious for Zubeldía, who has received public backing from certain directors but has steadily lost credibility within the organization. His tactical decisions have been questioned, especially his handling of fresh-faced talents, which does not sit well with fans eager for progress from the youth ranks. Aside from Zubeldía's fading trust among executives, executive Carlos Belmonte and legendary coach Muricy Ramalho are two strong proponents of bringing Diniz back, underscoring the latter's historical connection with the team and the players.
Despite Diniz's mixed reviews from his previous stints, those who support his reappointment cite his rapport with players and the importance of stability during uncertain times. They argue he understands the club culture and philosophy, which might be beneficial during this tumultuous period. Meanwhile, other candidates, such as Tite and Renato Gaúcho, are viewed as unattainable due to their financial demands and the direction they wish to take for their respective teams.
For Zubeldía, the fight for his job intensifies as the team prepares for next weekend's match against São Bernardo. The match becomes pivotal; failure to secure any points might prompt the board to decisively reflect on their options, with potential repercussions for Zubeldía’s tenure regardless of what the outcomes of future board meetings might convey.
The current events unraveling at São Paulo FC aren't just about the possible return of Diniz or the future of Zubeldía; they highlight the sport's unpredictable nature, where past legacies can affect current narratives. Fans and political factions within the club eagerly await the outcome of the upcoming matches, aware the path forward requires more than just managerial changes – it calls for unity, strategy, and above all, trust among players and management alike.
What will happen next? Only time will tell as the club strives to regain its footing amid the uncertainty of managerial commitments and the perennial ambition of returning to the heights of Brazilian football.