Author: Vishwajit Sawant
In a burst of emotion following São Paulo FC’s historic Copa do Brasil victory over Flamengo, coach Dorival Júnior shared his thoughts on the triumph and his journey to it. Dorival, who had already been sacked by Flamengo in the past, expressed his pride at São Paulo’s achievement and his team’s resilience.
Dorival began by talking about his departure from Flamengo, recognizing that it was a challenging period in his career. He revealed that only his family and closest friends understood the circumstances and complexities of his time at Flamengo. Despite the disappointments, Dorival stressed that he never took things personally and always separated professional issues from personal feelings.
He also explained his perspective on his time at Flamengo, highlighting the inconsistency of public opinion. Dorival recalled a time when the same team was praised as the best in South America, but a month later, when results didn’t live up to expectations, it was the target of criticism and calls for reinforcements. For him, these sudden changes in assessment and the questioning of his work are disconcerting.
Dorival’s tenure at São Paulo began in April, following the dismissal of Rogério Ceni. In less than six months, he managed to lead São Paulo to their first Brazilian Cup title. He credited the commitment and dignity of his players, along with the unwavering support of the fans, for this remarkable achievement. Dorival emphasized the significant transformation the team has undergone, from a discouraged group to a confident and successful one.
The coach expressed his gratitude to those who believed in his work and shared his vision for São Paulo FC. He acknowledged the doubts and uncertainties surrounding his appointment, but promised that the team would not end the year without an important trophy. He praised the players who overcame adversity and proved the critics wrong.
Winning the Copa do Brasil had a special meaning for Dorival, as it was a title that São Paulo had never won in its illustrious history. He recalled the dramatic moments of the competition, especially the painful defeat in the 2000 final, and his desire to help São Paulo return to the final after 23 years.
Dorival was visibly emotional as he spoke about the importance of this victory, which he said could mark a new era in the club’s history. He played down any connection with Flamengo, expressing respect and admiration for his former club, and emphasized his dedication to São Paulo and the fans. He felt that the pressure of the last month had strengthened the team and brought it even closer together.
Reflecting on his journey with São Paulo, Dorival revealed that he had instilled confidence in the players from day one. He spoke with conviction about reaching the final and was pleased with the way the squad reacted to his guidance. He praised the team’s unity and commitment and acknowledged the support of the club president.
In conclusion, Dorival expressed his immense joy at contributing to São Paulo’s rich history by winning the Copa do Brasil. He believed that the club was on the road to greatness and thanked everyone who supported his vision. He reiterated his commitment to representing São Paulo FC with dignity and hard work, making the fans proud of his team’s achievements.