The pressure intensified after a 3-2 derby loss to Corinthians, but it’s not enough for São Paulo to consider sacking Roger Machado, according to club president Harry Massis Jr. In an audio message sent to a friend via WhatsApp and leaked on social media, the executive stated that firing the coach at this point would cause significant financial damage to the club, as they cannot afford the severance payment and hiring a new manager.
“We can’t change the coach. We have no money. Don’t you understand that? Don’t you realize we took over a bankrupt São Paulo? They didn’t pay anything last year, and everything is falling on me. We have no money. I never said São Paulo would be champions, never. If we finish sixth in the league, that’s great for qualifying for the Libertadores. Let’s be calm, damn it, it’s not like that. I’m not changing anyone, you should know that. I won’t pay another fine,” he said.
“I’m still paying Dorival Júnior’s fine, Zubeldía’s fine, which I had nothing to do with. Crespo’s fine from his first stint, which I had nothing to do with. Everything is falling on me. There’s no money. Don’t you understand that? For heaven’s sake, let’s be calm. We won’t be champions and we won’t be relegated, like in many years. Please, don’t be like this, I’m also nervous, I’m pissed. This is a vent with you, I know how much of a São Paulo fan you are, just like me. You’re not the only one going crazy, I am too, but we can’t afford it,” he concluded.
At the end of the audio, Massis revealed that he had spoken with Corinthians president Osmar Stábile to find out the cost of hiring Dorival Júnior, who was sacked by the rival in early April and had his second stint at São Paulo between 2023 and 2024. “I talked to the Corinthians president, he and his staff earn between 2.8 and 3 million reais per month. That’s crazy.”
The abrupt dismissal of Hernán Crespo on March 9 due to disagreements with the board brought a major crisis to the Morumbi club. Roger Machado, chosen to replace him, arrived under great pressure and never managed to win over the fans. Currently, he is on a four-game winless streak, with three draws and the loss to Corinthians. In 16 matches, he has seven wins, six draws, and five defeats.
