Part 5/7:
Another area of focus was São Paulo's pre-season training conducted in the United States. While the trip had been arranged prior to recent administrative changes, the implications of splitting the squad during this crucial time appeared to hinder coherent preparation. The necessity of juggling commitments between the Copa São Paulo de Futebol Júnior and other matches introduced complexities that could affect player performance early in the season.
The risk of having core players missing due to the Copinha was a tangible concern. As São Paulo endeavored to manage their roster efficiently, it became apparent that they were faced with a delicate balancing act—aiming for strong showings in both competitions without overstretching their squad.