 In June 2009, after an unsuccessful experience as technical director at Corinthians, Zago signed a deal as a manager with São Caetano.As a coach, he had a promising start in the 2010 Paulista Championship and enjoyed a historic win against his former team Palmeiras at Parque Antarctica.The feat brought him close to the traditional Palmeiras leaders and on 18 February 2010, he signed with Parque Antarctica club.