After a rocky start to the season, São Paulo faced the abrupt departure of their coach Thiago Carpini on Thursday. Carpini, who had taken over the team earlier this year, could not deliver the desired results, leading to his dismissal. The news of Carpini’s departure was quickly followed by rumors that the club was eyeing Spanish coach Rafa Benítez as his replacement.
The potential hiring of Benítez has sparked interest, especially in Colombia, where the relationship between the coach and Colombian star James Rodríguez has been tumultuous in the past. The two clashed during Benítez’s time at Real Madrid, with the coach reportedly asking James to leave the club due to his age and physical condition.
Now, as São Paulo reportedly closes in on Benítez, there are concerns about how James, who is also struggling with physical issues, will fit into the equation. The Colombian midfielder, who has struggled to recapture his form in recent years, could find himself facing his old nemesis once again if Benítez takes over at São Paulo.
With São Paulo in need of a turnaround and James looking to resurrect his career, the potential reunion between the two could prove to be a defining moment for both parties. As the club moves forward with their coaching decisions, all eyes will be on how the situation unfolds and whether James can overcome his challenges to find success once again.