Crespo shrugs off missed penalty, hails São Paulo's strength | OneFootball

Coach Hernán Crespo praised the attitude of São Paulo in the 2-0 victory over Grêmio last Wednesday night at Morumbi, during the third round of the Brazilian Championship. The Tricolor opened the scoring with Lucas in the first half and extended the lead in the second half, already with an extra man after Wagner Leonardo's expulsion, thanks to a goal by Calleri, following a pass from Luciano.

“Very difficult, but I think the most important thing is the continuity of the level and the way we face the games, regardless of the structure or the game model, with three defenders, four, two wingers. We interpreted very well what São Paulo wanted to do against Grêmio. Not all games are the same. I think the team found itself very well because the players understood each one's position and how they had to act, a lot of willingness to recover the ball, it was essential to maintain balance. It was a pleasure because we always have to suffer… and to reach the last minute still controlling the game, creating chances, and everyone who comes in is available to the group and the game idea, it was very beautiful,” analyzed the coach.

São Paulo dominated Grêmio from start to finish and created several goal opportunities throughout the 90 minutes. In the coach's view, the team could have left the field with an even larger score.

“The game was very well played, interpreted correctly. We were protagonists the whole time. I think the result is even smaller than we deserved, we were superior in every way. Game standard, creating chances, it was very nice to see São Paulo today,” added Crespo.

Missed Penalty

The coach also downplayed the missed penalty by Luciano. In the first half, São Paulo's kicker was Lucas Moura, who converted the penalty. In the second half, the captain decided to hand the ball to the number 10, who was stopped by Weverton's save.

For Crespo, however, the choice of penalty takers, whether by the coaching staff or the players, is far from being a problem at the moment.

“The penalties, we choose, but at the end of the day, the players really choose, they feel it at the moment, they talk among themselves. What happened today with Luciano… he kicks well, Lucas and Calleri too. It's not a problem at this moment. They are big enough to choose what they feel in those moments,” explained the coach.

Option for Tactical Change

Finally, Crespo also explained the decision for the tactical change in the scheme. Without Arboleda, who was out for personal reasons, São Paulo abandoned the formation with three defenders and returned to a line of four defenders. The coach justified the change based on the good moment experienced by the attacking trio, which was decisive for the result: Lucas, Luciano, and Calleri.

“It wasn't changed due to Arboleda's absence. It was due to the characteristics of the opponent and the moment the three attackers are going through. They are doing well, growing, understanding each other well, and they put pressure on me to use them [laughs]. That was the idea, the curiosity was so much, to see how the team would maintain this energy to recover the ball and make them available to create. To create, you have to lose the ball. And that happened. It was great, a good test,” he concluded.

Standings Situation

With the result, São Paulo extended its unbeaten streak this season and reached the fifth game without knowing what it's like to lose, with four wins and one draw. Additionally, the São Paulo team also reached seven points and will sleep at the top of the Brazilian Championship, maintaining their unbeaten run in the tournament.

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