He moved to Palmeiras in September of the following year, in the same category but as an assistant of João Burse,[1] and left in February 2016 to take over Ponte Preta, also in the under-20s.

On 27 February 2018, Zago was named manager of Atlético Mineiro's under-17 squad,[2] and was appointed in charge of the club's under-20s on 28 June of the following year.

[3] During the 2020 season, he was in charge of the first team for three Série A matches as Jorge Sampaoli and his staff were on quarantine after a COVID-19 outbreak in the squad.

[4] Zago left Galo on 18 March 2021,[5] and was named manager of Série D side Joinville on 26 April.

[13] On 18 November 2024, Zago became the interim head coach of Peixe, after Fábio Carille left.