Artur Jorge praises Cruzeiro response, calls win in Ecuador ‘fair’

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·8 April 2026

Artur Jorge praises Cruzeiro response, calls win in Ecuador ‘fair’

Cruzeiro’s 1-0 victory over Barcelona de Guayaquil in their Copa Libertadores opener meant more than just three points. After the final whistle at Monumental Banco Pichincha, head coach Artur Jorge said in a press conference that the team had responded immediately after the turbulent spell it had recently gone through.

The coach highlighted the team’s preparation after the heavy loss to São Paulo and praised the attitude shown on the pitch.

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“We prepared the team for this match after a heavy result where the score was worse than the actual performance itself, but the team reacted very well. What was asked was that today we be true to ourselves and go after the result against a difficult opponent, on a difficult pitch. We chose some changes related to the chance to value everyone who works every day to respond when called upon. I’m satisfied with the team’s performance, not only from those who started but also those who had the chance to contribute. It is a very fair result for what Cruzeiro did on the pitch.”

Artur Jorge also detailed the work done internally in the days following the defeat in the Brasileirão, stressing the importance of maintaining a competitive level even after an adverse result.

“What I insisted on most during the days leading up to this match was valuing what we did in São Paulo. We played a good game from a competitive and quality standpoint, but the result punished us heavily, and I don’t want to talk about that game because it’s in the past. Today we knew what to do to win. The team behaved well, as required by the competition, because the margin for error is zero. We are probably in the toughest group in the Libertadores, and the team showed character and personality, and knew how to suffer when it had to. Above all, in open play, it was the team that most tried to play and control the game. We scored one goal, but I can recall four big chances inside the six-yard box that we failed to convert. We worked to win, we won, and we deserved to win today.”

The coach also addressed squad matters, such as Lucas Romero’s absence, Walace’s situation, and expectations for Sinisterra’s return.

“Three different cases, but all related to our day-to-day. Walace’s issue is an internal matter that is being handled by the board, it’s our matter and you already know what happened. From here on, it will be up to the board to decide what needs to happen.

As for Romero, we brought him for the São Paulo match expecting to have him available for this game, but in training after the match he felt some discomfort and, since time is short, we decided not to take any risks and to keep the player resting. He traveled to Belo Horizonte and everything indicates that he could be on the field against Red Bull.

As for Sinisterra, the information from the medical department is that he may join our first training session on Thursday in Belo Horizonte, even if only partially, and gradually work with us.”

Lastly, Artur Jorge praised the performances of Fagner and Jonathan Jesus, who made the most of their opportunity in the starting lineup.

“They are two players who have worked extremely well since my first day, waiting for an opportunity, showing patience, and their response came on the pitch. They clearly showed that they are fully committed to helping Cruzeiro, whether they are playing or not.”

Now Cruzeiro turns its attention to the Brazilian Championship. Still under pressure in the competition, the team will face a new challenge against Red Bull Bragantino this Sunday (12) at 6:30 p.m. (Brasília time) at Mineirão, in the 11th round.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.