Diniz’s pre-season: 5 Vasco players have 8 days to prove their worth

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·13 November 2025

Diniz’s pre-season: 5 Vasco players have 8 days to prove their worth

Vasco has returned to CT Moacyr Barbosa for eight days of intense training. The FIFA break, which took four players to their national teams, will serve as a “pre-season” for Fernando Diniz. The goal is to recover important players who are currently struggling technically or physically.

+ Vasco’s coach has 30 days to solve 4 “bombs” before the semifinal

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The midfield battle and Vegetti’s chance

The midfield is the most questioned sector. Tchê Tchê, who used to be Diniz’s trusted man, performed poorly in the last three defeats and has been criticized. Hugo Moura, who lost his spot to him, also failed to take advantage of his chance against Juventude. The battle between the two remains open.

In attack, the absence of Andrés Gómez (called up) opens up space. Pablo Vegetti, Vasco’s top scorer this year, has had poor performances in recent games, just like the rest of the team. The Argentine will have eight days to show Diniz that he deserves to reclaim his starting spot.

Hugo Moura and Tchê Tchê remain options for Vasco’s midfield — Photo: Matheus Lima/Vasco and Dikran Sahagian/Vasco

Physical recovery and França’s adaptation

This period will also be vital for Philippe Coutinho. The number 10, unlike the others, is not in a technical slump, but ge points out clear signs of fatigue. The star has started 21 consecutive matches and will use the break to recharge his energy before the “finals” in December.

Finally, Matheus França needs to use this time to adapt. On loan from Crystal Palace, the attacking midfielder has yet to convince. He performed poorly in recent games, was booed, and his improvisation as a defensive midfielder has not worked so far.