Part 2/8:
One of the key issues highlighted was São Paulo's taxing match schedule. The team had played three games in just six days, with a series of additional matches lined up shortly after. Such a tight timeline can severely impact a team’s performance, as there is little room for training or recovery, affecting players both physically and mentally.
This frantic pace of play raised questions about the management decisions that led to a lower performance level. Critics questioned the reasoning behind scheduling games abroad, particularly in the United States, suggesting that there was no substantial financial incentive justifying such travel. The decision left São Paulo players fatigued, forced to compete under duress, contributing to their lackluster results recently.