Jardim on wasteful finishing and plans for Sinisterra

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·11 November 2025

Jardim on wasteful finishing and plans for Sinisterra

Cruzeiro will have a break due to the FIFA date until the match against Juventude, on the upcoming November 20, at 4:00 PM, at the Alfredo Jaconi stadium, for the 34th round of the Brazilian Championship, in a scenario that requires mandatory adjustments. The celestial team will not be able to count on Christian, Matheus Pereira, Keny Arroyo, and Wallace, all suspended. In addition to them, Wanderson, Marquinhos, and Matheus Henrique remain out as they recover from injuries.

Given these absences, coach Leonardo Jardim is expected to make important changes in the creative sector and attack. Midfielder Eduardo emerges as the main option for the midfield, while Gabigol may be moved back to play a role closer to Kaio Jorge.

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After the goalless draw with Fluminense, Jardim assessed the team's offensive performance and lamented the lack of precision in finishing:

“Certainly, efficiency is what we are talking about when we create three or four situations and cannot finish. Efficiency is something that, sometimes, is not very trainable—it has to do with the moment and with the player’s ability to decide, because some of these players, at another time, would be able to finish the same ball. Today we lacked both efficiency and the art of concluding plays. We will continue to work, for sure, always with the goal of being more effective in the future and improving both collective and individual efficiency. As I’ve said before, I would be worried if the team didn’t create chances. When we create, it’s a sign of offensive organization. Then, efficiency depends on the players’ moment, and today we were not fortunate in that aspect.”

With the absences in the offensive sector, one of the names that may get more playing time is Luis Sinisterra. The Colombian, signed in the mid-year transfer window, has played in eight matches so far, all coming off the bench. Recovered from muscular problems, he has been gradually increasing his time on the field and may have a new opportunity in Caxias do Sul, as addressed by the celestial coach:

“It’s not a matter of giving more or fewer minutes, it’s a matter of the team’s needs. The game was tied, we wanted to create a greater offensive power and, for that reason, we put a second striker on the field. Then, we also ended up putting on a winger and finished practically with four players in attack. I was always looking for the result and what was best for the team. Sinisterra is evolving and has been playing a bit more time now. Maybe in the next game he can play more, since we have four players out and that opens up this possibility.”

In addition to Sinisterra, the coach should count on Kaio Jorge, Kaique Kenji, Bolasie, Gabigol, and the young Rayan Lelis, 18 years old, who has been included in the squad in recent rounds.

Even with the absences, Cruzeiro remains strong in the fight for the top positions—the team is currently in 3rd place, with 64 points, and is looking to secure its direct spot in the Copa Libertadores.

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