Roger Machado Defends His Position as São Paulo Manager Following Draw with Internacional

Amidst speculation surrounding the potential arrival of Dorival Júnior at São Paulo, current manager Roger Machado has addressed criticism regarding his tenure and the team’s recent performance. The comments came after a 1-1 draw with Internacional, a result that saw São Paulo drop out of the top four in the Brazilian Série A standings as of April 3, 2026.

Context of the Match and Managerial Pressure

The match between São Paulo and Internacional carried added weight, as both clubs had previously been managed by Dorival Júnior. Dorival Júnior currently manages Corinthians , adding a layer of intrigue to the contest. The draw with Internacional has intensified scrutiny on Machado’s leadership, particularly as São Paulo aims to secure a coveted spot in the G4 – the group of teams qualifying for the Copa Libertadores.

Machado’s Response to Criticism

Roger Machado directly responded to critics, defending his track record and longevity in the role. Even as the specific nature of his rebuttal wasn’t detailed, the context suggests he addressed concerns about the team’s form and his tactical decisions.

Broader Discussion on Brazilian and Foreign Managers

The situation at São Paulo is part of a wider debate within Brazilian football regarding the evaluation of domestic versus foreign managers. Roger Machado recently expressed a preference for a Brazilian coach to lead the national team, arguing that there is often a greater tolerance for mistakes made by foreign managers compared to their Brazilian counterparts. He cited examples like Jorge Jesus, noting that innovative requests from foreign coaches are often viewed positively, while similar requests from Brazilian managers might be dismissed.

Historical Precedent: Managers at Internacional and São Paulo

Both Internacional and São Paulo have a history of employing prominent managers. Five coaches have managed both clubs, including Dorival Júnior, Paulo César Carpegiani, Diego Aguirre, and Muricy Ramalho. Dorival Júnior, currently at Corinthians, previously led São Paulo to a Copa do Brasil title in 2023 and was later appointed to the Brazilian national team.

Looking Ahead

The pressure remains on Roger Machado to deliver positive results for São Paulo. The team’s performance in upcoming matches will be crucial in determining his future at the club and their chances of qualifying for the Copa Libertadores. The debate surrounding the selection of the national team manager also continues, with Roger Machado advocating for a Brazilian candidate.