TalkBack with Sao Paulo manager, Nick Wheels

Welcome to this weeks TalkBack.


We caught up with Sao Paulo Manager Nick Wheels in a pensive mood, a very different side to the manager we normally see joking with the fans, blaming the referee, inciting violence against the opposition. 
Here’s what he had to say:

Mr Wheels, welcome to TalkBack, are you happy with the season so far?

Well, we are currently 10th in Division 3, for me that is a good thing to be in this division.

So you are happy with 10th place?

I am not happy, no, but I am a realist.

Are you referring to lack of financial support from your chairwoman?

No, My chairwoman is not a problem, I can only do what I can do.

Ok, we’ll come back to that later. In terms of the notorious Spoon Army, several of whom are currently serving jail sentences for their part in the shooting dead of 4 members of Zenit St Peterburgs’ right wing ‘ultras’ 6 weeks ago…

yes, and your question is?

You associate freely & publicly with the Spoon Army when they are known to commit violent & criminal acts, how can you justify this?

The Spoon Army come from the poor sections of Sao Paulo, they may seem violent to you but that is how their lives are, both men & women. What you don’t see are the community initiatives, providing food banks, a free advice centre, protection from the police & other criminal elements, ensuring public transport runs safely in the Favelas. Yes they can go over the top sometimes but that is because like me they live & breathe Sao Paulo, we are symbiotic this city & this club. 

Let me ask, whom do you support?

Me, oh I support Arsenal, you know The Gunners.

And what is it about Arsenal you love the most?

Oh, I love the Emirates, such a good view from my seat and no-one ever stands up & blocks your view, everyone is well mannered too, I’ve had to tell someone near me to pipe down because I couldn’t hear my phone call before and they did, straight away. We’re going to win the league this year, we better or I’m cancelling my Platinum membership.

Anyway, back to you, you don’t seem happy with the club this year, are you considering a move?

Absolutely not, but yes, I am unhappy but only because I cannot change reality.
Sao Paulo got where they are, into division 3 largely with experienced older players near the end of their careers. If we want to push on we need younger, hungry players with the potential to become good, if not great players to play here, we cannot keep buying older players.

Is that why you controversially sold Michel Bastos to Espanyol?

Yes, he was 33 and his time had come. I like to think the Spoon Army agreed with me, see what you think from this clip:

So how do you attract those younger players?

That is the big question, it is very difficult which is why when I say I am not happy with 10th place in division 3, I am realistic enough to know that this may be our glass ceiling. 

Mr Wheels, may I wish both you & Sao Paulo the best of luck for the rest of the season.

Thank you Ivana.