Jardim discusses plans for Sinisterra, Japa and other young talents

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·2 November 2025

Jardim discusses plans for Sinisterra, Japa and other young talents

After the 3-1 victory over Vitória at Mineirão, which brought Cruzeiro closer to securing a spot in the next Libertadores, coach Leonardo Jardim revealed part of the plan for players who have been playing less in this final stretch of the season. The coach emphasized the importance of giving playing time to athletes who have recently recovered from injuries, such as Luis Sinisterra and Japa, as well as gradually preparing young players who are starting to gain space in the main squad.

“We expect a lot from the players we brought in the market. Sinisterra is that player who is initially more prepared to come in and perform based on what he has done, but he is coming back from a two-year break, and we have to gradually recover him so that he reaches a good level,” explained the coach.

Jardim also mentioned the new generation of players, which includes Kauã Moraes, Keny Arroyo, and Rayan Lelis. According to him, Cruzeiro has been investing in the development of these athletes cautiously, avoiding excessive pressure and prioritizing the right moment to use them.

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“The other young players, who are Kauã Moraes, Rayan, Arroyo, are young talents we believe in and want to introduce gradually because we know they have quality. We know they will have space in the present and future of Cruzeiro's squad, but we have to prepare them,” he stated.

The coach also reflected on how Brazilian football deals with its homegrown talents, asking for patience and understanding from the fans.

“Due to emotion, many young players are sometimes burned out in Brazil. Maybe I shouldn't say this as it might be seen as criticism, but I feel that when a young player doesn't perform well in two or three games, boos start, and the young player pays for it. We are preparing them in the best way so they can perform, and they have been doing so. I want Arroyo, Moraes, Prates, I want Rayan playing, today Japa came in, and that's what we aim for, good timing,” he emphasized.

Jardim also commented on Japa's situation, who returned to the squad after a long recovery period, explaining that injuries and competition in certain positions delayed his sequence.

“Japa was injured for almost six months, with many consecutive injuries. Then we developed some players for various positions, whether outside or inside. We have Eduardo, Christian, we had Marquinhos and Wanderson, we brought in Arroyo, and there were many players for the position even inside. Now, with the injury of our two players, doors have opened for one or another player, and certainly, these opportunities may come, and they have to show themselves,” he analyzed.

Finally, the coach praised the commitment of players who have received fewer minutes, highlighting the collective effort as one of the group's differentiators.

“Japa, Wallace, those who have played less, have worked hard and sweated for the Cruzeiro jersey. They don't play more because the coach doesn't give them more chances to play, but in terms of quality and effort, the whole group is to be congratulated,” concluded Jardim.

Cruzeiro's next match will be against Grêmio, next Wednesday (5), at 8 PM, at Arena do Grêmio, in Porto Alegre, for the 32nd round of the Brazilian Championship.

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