Jardim admits poor display, urges reaction and support for progress | OneFootball

Jardim admits poor display, urges reaction and support for progress | OneFootball

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·11 December 2025

Jardim admits poor display, urges reaction and support for progress

Article image:Jardim admits poor display, urges reaction and support for progress

Cruzeiro fell behind in the semifinals of the Copa do Brasil. In front of a packed Mineirão, Leonardo Jardim's team had a lackluster performance and was defeated 1-0 by Corinthians in the first leg on Wednesday night. After the final whistle, the coach held a press conference and analyzed the team's performance, discussed the challenges for the return match, and reaffirmed his confidence in overturning the score in São Paulo.

Jardim began his assessment by acknowledging the team's poor performance, especially before Corinthians' goal.


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“In my opinion, until Corinthians scored, we weren't doing well. We weren't aggressive, our passing was poor, and we made many mistakes. But gradually we improved, and in the second half, we improved significantly. In the second half, there was no effectiveness in passing and finishing. The game volume was low, we didn't play for 45 minutes, it was very stop-start, the opponent would stop the game, take a touch, lie on the ground... we played less than a half. What I told the players was this: 'many people said it would be easy. But a semifinal of a Cup, with two teams with heavy jerseys, there is no easy game. I believe this team, throughout the year, has won away from home, can go and win against this opponent and qualify. It's about focusing, recovering well, and playing a Cruzeiro-style game to qualify.'”

For the match at Neo Química Arena, the coach believes that Cruzeiro can play a game capable of troubling Corinthians.

“We are going to play a game at the opponent's home that will be uncomfortable for them. They can't attack, they will play on our mistakes, but this team has picked up points away from home, important games against good teams. I have complete confidence in this group that has already shown it can win on any field. That's what we are going to do. There are 90 minutes, and we are losing 1-0, we will try to reverse the situation. The team wasn't aggressive and made many passing errors, lacking effectiveness in duels.”

Jardim also explained Villalba's situation, who was limping on the field after a collision with Yuri Alberto, still in the final minutes of the first half, but remained on the field until halftime.

“Villalba had a problem around the 40-minute mark, and he himself admitted he was fine. We sent Jonathan to warm up, but we verified he was okay. Making a change at 45, a substitution, and losing a stoppage... but certainly, he had difficulties in those minutes. But he admitted he was fine. But the doctor was there, the doctor said the player wanted to try. But then we evaluated at halftime, and he wasn't.”

Besides the defender, Cruzeiro will also be without Lucas Romero, who is suspended for the return match. Still, Jardim stated he has enough alternatives.

“We have some players who will play, different from these two. We have Walace, M. Henrique, who can fulfill the role, we also have Jonathan Jesus who played for 45 minutes. It's not a concern, the squad has shown throughout the season that we have players for these situations.”

The coach also left a direct message to the fans, lamenting the lack of support at Toca da Raposa II before the game.

“I thought we would have support at Toca da Raposa before this game, and we didn't. I ask our fans who have given us great support in the last Copa do Brasil games to do so to motivate these people. The work they have done all year deserves this final motivation, so we can reach another Copa do Brasil final.”

Asked about using defender Wanderson, recently recovered from an injury, Jardim was cautious.

“He's a player who has been out for some time. If it's 10 or 15 minutes to help, especially in defensive terms, he can help. But we have Sinisterra who is fresh, Christian, players to start in this position.”

Regarding the team's performance in the final stage, the coach acknowledged that the team could have produced more.

“We always want to do more and better. But you know I have a way of thinking about football. The past and achievements are not effective for the games. Each game is a new reality. We have to give credit to Corinthians, they presented a competitive team, gave up Garro to have four midfielders. And we wanted to do better. We have the competence to do better, but at the start, I think in terms of passing and effectiveness, we could be closer to what we have done. Now it's about regaining strength and trying in the next 90 minutes to reverse and bring joy to the fans and achieve the goal of reaching the final.”

Inquired about recent backstage issues involving the club, Jardim avoided expanding on the topic.

“On this subject, I won't speak further. The important thing is to focus on this Copa do Brasil, on the responsibility we have, and on what we want to do. Our team is experienced. At the end of the season, there is always noise, in all teams. And those who live it know how to manage these situations.”

Jardim concluded the press conference by emphasizing that the qualification also depends on the psychological aspect.

“The psychological work, for sure, to win this Cup will require strong mental work. There will be sacrifice, physical problems, players who will need to come in for the next game. This is very important in terms of mental aspect, concentration, attitude. Fundamental. Not just for us, for everyone.”

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

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