Hulk on Fluminense boos, backs Zubeldía: “Not just the manager’s fault”

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·12 August 2026

Hulk on Fluminense boos, backs Zubeldía: “Not just the manager’s fault”

Target of protests after the goalless draw against Independiente Rivadavia, the forward calls for unity within the squad, understands the fans’ impatience, and guarantees commitment to turn things around.

Once again booed by the fans at the Maracanã, forward Hulk stopped in the mixed zone after the 0-0 draw between Fluminense and Independiente Rivadavia in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores round of 16. Wearing the No. 7 shirt, he understood the crowd’s dissatisfaction with the team’s winless run, but ruled out any discouragement and assured that the group needs to stick together to seek qualification in Argentina.

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— I understand the fans’ demands, which are natural. People want immediate results, they want to see goals, great performances. I came prepared to deliver that, but unfortunately I still haven’t been able to find that lightness. That’s no reason for me to get discouraged or throw in the towel. I know the pressure comes because of my name and the weight I carry. Giving up is not part of the process — he said.

Pressure on Zubeldía

Asked about the protests also directed at coach Luis Zubeldía, Hulk made a point of absolving the manager for the team’s current moment. For the forward, responsibility for the below-par performances should be shared mainly by the players.

— When the result doesn’t come, the coach’s work is the first thing to be questioned. But he is far from being to blame. Football is collective. He picks what he thinks is best during the week, but then match day comes and sometimes it doesn’t happen. We know the blame doesn’t fall only on the coach; it’s on us players who step onto the pitch — the forward said.

Fluminense’s approach

Hulk also commented on Tricolor’s difficulties in breaking down the Argentine opponent’s defensive block and pushed back against the idea that the team had been passive in the first half.

— Fluminense is a team that takes the initiative, and opponents come here to play reactively. You have to be patient, because if you try to force the pace no matter what, you get hit on the counterattack and everything goes down the drain. When the result doesn’t come, confidence slips a little when it comes to finding that pass between the lines. Now we have 90 minutes in Argentina to adjust what needs adjusting and come back with confidence — he concluded.

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