Léo Jardim shares frustration over Coutinho’s exit, rues loss to Fluminense | OneFootball

Vasco was defeated by Fluminense this Sunday at Nilton Santos. As a result, the Cruzmaltinos will need to overturn the score in the return leg of the Carioca Championship semifinal.

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Goalkeeper Léo Jardim lamented the result. The keeper pointed out that the team has been struggling to create good scoring chances during matches. 

“It’s always hard to say anything at the end of the match. We end up leaving with our emotions running high. We have been trying, working hard to get out of this situation. We’ve had the volume to win, but we’re not converting it into chances. We’re going to ask the fans to support us. We can overturn this result in the return leg,” said the goalkeeper, even before the announcement of coach Fernando Diniz’s dismissal, which was made right after the classic.

Léo Jardim also commented on the departure of midfielder Philippe Coutinho, who requested to terminate his contract this week. 

“Of course we’re upset because he was a reference point in the group. Any team would want to have him. We understand. Mental health is no joke. We’ve already had cases of players who had serious problems. We’re going to root for him. Vasco stays here and we have to keep working to improve,” said Léo.

Vasco will need to win the return match by two or more goals to advance to the Carioca final. The clash against Fluminense will be next Sunday at Maracanã. Before that, the Cruzmaltinos face Santos at Vila Belmiro for the Brazilian Championship.

*By Gazeta Press

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