We all saw it coming and it was a matter of how soon not when. São Paulo finally cut ties with Fernando Diniz on Monday.
The final straw for the Brazilian manager was a disappointing 2-1 loss to Atletico-GO on Sunday.
Literally, the club were in a crisis and it was even a surprise Fernando Diniz was allowed to stay this long. Just weeks ago, Tricolor were well positioned to win the Brazilian Championship. At the moment, they find themselves in danger of even missing out on top four.
Marcos Vizolli will take over as interim manager till the end of the current campaign.
In addition to Diniz, executive director Raí also departs the club. However, a statement from São Paulo revealed Raí asked to step down after he learnt Diniz was already sacked.
Let’s take a brief look at Fernando Diniz’s time at São Paulo.
He was appointed manager of the club back in September 2019 and leaves without winning any silverware for the club. He took charge of 74 games for the club and his record reads 34 wins, 20 draws and 20 defeats.
Araújo, Wagner Bertelli and Eduardo Zuma, who were all members of Diniz’s backroom staff, were also sacked by the club.
The sacking of Fernando Diniz is rather justified as the club witnessed perhaps their worst spell this season and in a long time. São Paulo are yet to record a win in 2021 and also got knocked out in the semifinals of the Brazil Cup.
As we mentioned after Tricolor’s defeat to Atletico-GO, São Paulo were once four points ahead of then second place Flamengo just five game-weeks ago and nine points ahead of the then fourth-placed side Internacional. Six games without a win and Tricolor now find themselves down the pile in fourth place, trailing new found leaders Internacional by seven points.
São Paulo will be hoping to return to winning ways when they welcome Ceará to Morumbi next Thursday. Mathematically, they still have a chance at the title and we’ll just have to see how things unfold over the next few weeks.
