Paulinho has described his first weeks working in Cruzeiro’s football department, saying the club’s planning for 2027 is linked to qualifying for the Libertadores. He spoke publicly about the role around 20 days after being introduced as a member of the club’s leadership.
He said he had agreed to join Cruzeiro in early October and brought forward his arrival at the request of Pedro Lourenço. Paulinho said he had been welcomed with support and respect, and that adapting quickly was important to help the club’s work progress.
His responsibilities span strategic decisions and regular contact with the coaching staff and squad. Paulinho said he was drawing on experiences from his two years at Mirassol and working daily to shield the group from distractions so it can focus on its work.
With five rounds remaining in the Brazilian league, Cruzeiro’s stated target is direct qualification for the Libertadores group stage. The team has been eliminated from the continental tournament and the Copa do Brasil, and Paulinho said the outcome of the league campaign would affect planning for next year. He pointed to the need for three points in the team’s next match on Thursday to move closer to qualification.
Cruzeiro have won three consecutive league matches, against Grêmio, Remo and Atlético-MG. Those results left the team third with 57 points, four behind Bahia, the first club outside the top six.
Sources: Globo Esporte.