James Rodríguez’s time at São Paulo did not go as expected, and now the Colombian midfielder has finally revealed the reasons behind his underwhelming performance at the club. In a recent interview, James stated that his lack of opportunities under Dorival Júnior was the main factor for his failure at the Tricolor Paulista.
James Rodríguez at São Paulo: What Went Wrong?
Signed as a marquee player in 2023, James arrived at São Paulo with high expectations but had limited chances on the field. During his interview, the player made direct criticisms of coach Dorival Júnior, claiming that his lack of playing time hindered his performance and adaptation to Brazilian football.
James Rodríguez’s Statement:
“I didn’t play, and when a player doesn’t play, he can’t show what he can do. That’s why my time at São Paulo didn’t work out.”
The Colombian played only 14 matches for the club, scoring 1 goal and providing 3 assists, numbers considered low for a player of his caliber and experience.
The Relationship Between James Rodríguez and Dorival Júnior
James also mentioned that Dorival Júnior’s lack of confidence in his abilities was crucial to his departure. The Colombian midfielder joined the club during a rebuilding phase and saw players like Lucas Moura and Luciano being consistently selected while he remained on the bench.
Despite his successful career, including stints at Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Everton, James couldn’t fit into the coach’s system and ended up leaving the club at the beginning of 2024.
Possible Internal Conflicts
Sources close to São Paulo claim that besides technical issues, James struggled to adapt to the physical demands of Brazilian football. Lack of chemistry with teammates and possible internal problems may also have contributed to his short stint with the club.
James Rodríguez’s Future in Football
After leaving São Paulo, James Rodríguez is now evaluating offers to determine his next club. The player has been linked to teams in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and MLS, but has yet to confirm his next move for the 2025 season.
At 33 years old, the Colombian is looking for a project that will give him more playing time and a chance to finish his career at a high level.
Conclusion: What Can We Learn from James’s Time at São Paulo?
James Rodríguez’s time at São Paulo will be remembered as a missed opportunity for both sides. The club signed a world-class player but couldn’t integrate him into the team. Meanwhile, James, despite his talent, failed to adapt to Brazilian football and left the club without making a significant impact.
What to Watch Next?
- Will James Rodríguez return to top form?
- How will São Paulo move forward without him, and what reinforcements will the club seek?
For more updates on Brazilian football, visit our National Football section.
