Renato shields Vasco squad as Atlético-MG clash gains weight before World Cup break | OneFootball

Renato has moved to shield the Vasco squad by picking his strongest side against Barracas Central, with Sunday’s Atlético-MG clash taking on extra weight before the World Cup break.

According to Globo.com, fielding the regulars in the sixth round of the Copa Sul-Americana was designed to protect the group amid supporter unrest and could help lift morale after a bruising week.

Vasco had rested players against Olimpia last week in a match that might have steered them towards top spot in Group G and a lighter schedule, then were beaten 3-0 by RB Bragantino at São Januário.

Renato Gaúcho has not shown regret over those choices. The club’s priority remains the Campeonato Brasileiro, and the call to rotate against Olimpia was agreed with director of football Admar Lopes.

On Monday, a day after the Bragantino defeat, fans protested at the CT Moacyr Barbosa. With only one game left before the pause and no travel required between fixtures, Renato consulted the hierarchy and they decided to use the strongest available XI.

Behind the scenes, Sunday’s meeting with Atlético-MG at São Januário, the 18th round of the Campeonato Brasileiro, is being framed as a “final”. The initial aim had been to reach the break close to the pré-Libertadores fight, but recent results have shifted focus to staying clear of the Z-4.

Source: Globo.com