Harry Massis Júnior, president of São Paulo, expressed his frustration regarding the situation of coach Roger Machado in a leaked audio recording released this Monday (11), following the team’s defeat to Corinthians at the Neo Química Arena. In the message, sent to Armando Kalil, a former advisor and current club member, Massis states that the club currently lacks the financial means to make a coaching change.
“Listen, we can’t afford to hire anyone. We can’t afford to replace the coach. We have no money. Don’t you people understand that?” Massis said at the start of the audio.
Contacted by reporters, the club chose not to comment but confirmed the authenticity of the audio. Armando Kalil, meanwhile, stated that the leak was unintentional and that his conversation with Massis was lengthy: “Someone posted the audio in a group and it leaked. It was a long conversation, but it’s fine. Nothing to hide. There are other audios that didn’t leak.”
Massis acknowledged debts owed to former coaches. During his remarks, the president said he inherited a “dilapidated” club and blamed previous administrations for São Paulo’s current financial state. “We took over a São Paulo that was in ruins. They paid nothing last year. Everything is falling on me,” he said.
He then cited outstanding payments that, according to him, still burden the current administration. Massis also stated he has no intention of making further changes to the football department due to the costs of contract terminations. “I’m still paying off old fines. I’m paying the severance for Dorival Júnior. I’m paying for Luis Zubeldía, which has nothing to do with me. I paid for Hernán Crespo’s first stint, which also has nothing to do with me. I won’t replace anyone. You should know that—I’m not replacing anyone. I’m not going to pay another severance,” he declared.
In another part of the audio, the president urged calm regarding the season and downplayed São Paulo’s chances of winning titles in 2026. “I never said São Paulo would be champions. Never. If we finish sixth in the league, that’ll be great to qualify for the Libertadores. Let’s stay calm. It’s not that simple. We won’t be champions, and we won’t be relegated. It’s been the same for several years now.”
At the end of the audio, Massis mentioned a conversation with Corinthians president Osmar Stábile about the monthly costs of potentially hiring Dorival Júnior, who is currently free on the market. “I spoke with the Corinthians president. Him and his staff cost between R$2.8 million and R$3.8 million per month. It’s insane.”
The president concluded the recording by calling it a “venting session” and asking for understanding given São Paulo’s current financial situation.
