Jardim praises Cruzeiro, targets regular league podium finishes

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·30 November 2025

Jardim praises Cruzeiro, targets regular league podium finishes

Coach Leonardo Jardim gave an honest assessment of Cruzeiro's campaign in the Brasileirão after the draw against Ceará. Even while highlighting a slight frustration of not achieving a bigger goal, the coach emphasized the team's progress, the competitiveness of the championship, and the importance of finishing the season among the top three.

"Deep down, after we managed to qualify for the Libertadores in the last game, as it was mathematically possible (to be champions), we all believed something more was possible, but it wasn't. We have to acknowledge the competence of our opponents, we have to give credit to Flamengo and Palmeiras, who also decided the Libertadores final."

The coach also commented on the team's performance throughout the tournament, recognizing natural fluctuations but valuing the consistency of Cruzeiro's campaign.

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"We lost some points and gained others that weren't expected, that's how a points-based championship works. We are having the best season in the points-based format since 2014, and it's important to score enough against Botafogo to stay on the podium of Brazilian football, which is always very difficult to reach. Except for Flamengo and Palmeiras, there has been a lot of rotation on this podium, and we want to be there this year, and in the future, be a regular presence."

Regarding the performance against Ceará, Jardim highlighted that the game reflected the competitive scenario of teams fighting against relegation, but stated that Cruzeiro remained true to its playing model.

"We didn't stray much from our strategic record, we believe in the work. We could have been clearer in two or three situations, but we know that these teams fighting for survival are fierce and have attitude, so it was a divided game."

Now, Cruzeiro returns to Belo Horizonte with the mission to score against Botafogo and secure a place in the top 3 of the Brazilian league. The team reached 69 points, six points more than Mirassol, in 4th place.

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