Canobbio backs Zubeldía after Fluminense progress: “His work is top”

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·28 May 2026

Canobbio backs Zubeldía after Fluminense progress: “His work is top”

Forward Agustín Canobbio came to the defense of coach Luis Zubeldía after Fluminense advanced to the Round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores. After the 3-1 win over Deportivo La Guaira at the Maracanã, the Uruguayan highlighted the squad’s relationship with the manager, who had been the target of criticism and boos from fans in recent weeks.

The scorer of one of the goals in the match, Zubeldía ran to hug Canobbio during the celebration and explained the reason for the gesture in the mixed zone interview.

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— The relationship is very good. He’s a very dedicated guy, has a great understanding of football, and a huge passion for the game. We see that every day. The work he’s doing is very good, which is why we defend him however we can, on the field and in every way — he said.

The forward also commented on the pressure the coach had been under before the decisive match and stressed how important qualification was for the atmosphere at the club.

— It was a very important game, a turning point for the second half of the season. We knew we hadn’t had the group stage we should have and that we had shown for a long time we were capable of having. Today we knew we needed to stick together and support our teammates, whether on the bench or on the field — he said.

Canobbio also revealed that he made a point of playing before leaving to join the Uruguayan national team, which will compete in the World Cup. The player said he wanted to help Fluminense in one of the most important matches of the season.

— I knew I wanted to be there. I wanted to support my teammates and help the team. I think the goal gave us a huge sense of relief and more peace of mind for the second half of the season — he said.

Asked about his expectations of making coach Marcelo Bielsa’s final World Cup squad, the Uruguayan struck a cautious tone.

— I’m calm. Very calm, knowing I did the work here that I had to do. Now it’s time to report there and wait for the coach’s decision. The expectations are very high because of the possibility of being in this select group of players — he added.

The win secured Fluminense’s place in the Libertadores Round of 16 after a comeback campaign in the closing stretch of the group stage.

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