Tite hails Cruzeiro’s squad and spirit in Mineiro rout

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Deus me Dibre

·18 January 2026

Tite hails Cruzeiro’s squad and spirit in Mineiro rout

Cruzeiro had a night of affirmation in the Campeonato Mineiro. With a dominant performance from start to finish, the celestial team thrashed Uberlândia 5-0 on Saturday night (17th) at Mineirão, in a match valid for the third round of the State Championship. After the match, coach Tite and assistant Matheus praised the intensity shown, the collective performance, and the participation of the entire squad in building such a resounding result.

In his analysis of the match, Tite highlighted the team’s competitive presence and emphasized that the performance exceeded even his own expectations for this stage of the season. For the coach, the result was a direct consequence of daily work and the players’ response on the field, regardless of the names used.

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“Cruzeiro was present. Regardless of names, this is a working team. At some point, everyone will be used, but all are important. I reiterate and believe in that. Today, it was a performance above my expectations. It was on a higher level. That’s why we got this result.”

Asked about the importance of less celebrated players, such as Christian and Wanderson, Tite once again reinforced the idea of group management and balance of roles within the team. According to him, the team’s machinery relies on different characteristics that complement each other to maximize collective performance.

“Group management is about telling the truth. I don’t know any other way. A machine is made up of different characteristics to shape and enhance other players. We have Kaio and Matheus who contribute defensively, but also the wingers who contribute and give these players creative freedom. That’s how we’re going to work. Not taking away the characteristics this team has.”

Regarding the use of Wanderson as a starter and the building of the team throughout the season, assistant Matheus highlighted the value of the group and the work that had already been developed at the club before the arrival of the new coaching staff. The idea, according to him, is to add options without devaluing those who were already part of the process.

(Matheus) “It’s about valuing a group, a job that’s been done. It’s not us, who just arrived, who are going to want to change something that was already being built. We’re adding new pieces, other options, possibilities, but all the players here must be valued.”

And Tite added by saying it’s about “‘Coopetition’, cooperate as a team and compete to be a starter.”

Tite also commented on the possibility of Gerson coming in for Christian, making it clear that this is about the squad’s versatility as a differential for the season’s progress.

“Day by day. I can’t see it any other way. We have to do work dedicated to building. We have versatile players. Christian plays as a right winger, left winger, second midfielder, and he’s even played as a holding midfielder. This versatility allows us to use players like Gerson, Arroyo, Sinisterra. We’re starting to have players with that capability.”

Thinking about the next State Championship match, Tite was cautious when projecting the duel against Democrata, mentioning the need to assess the squad’s physical response and possible preservation of players.

“Let’s see the response, including the physical one. The medical department, Romero left with discomfort, we preserved some situations, took extra care. We’ll have to manage.”

The rout also served as an example of the positive environment created within the squad. Tite highlighted the collective energy and shared celebration, even mentioning the joy for Wanderson’s first goal wearing the celestial shirt.

“Yes, this energy is contagious. I didn’t know Wanderson hadn’t scored yet. It’s contagious, one’s joy is everyone’s. And then we ride the wave, to give our share of contribution.”

Matheus also commented on the participation of midfielders and defenders in the offensive build-up, reinforcing the idea of a team without rigid divisions between attack and defense.

(Matheus) “There will be games where we’ll need the forwards to make the difference at the back. And games where the defenders will make the difference up front. The team is the one who wins. We can’t separate the team between those who attack and those who defend. When they commit to defending, they value the offensive moment. We’re here to maximize all of them.”

Finally, Matheus updated the situation of Neiser, Sinisterra, and Matheus Henrique, who are still in the recovery process. The coaching staff is working cautiously to avoid relapses and ensure a solid physical base throughout the season.

(Matheus) “They are following recovery and training protocols with the squad. I think it’s unlikely for midweek, but we’ll work so that when they can return, they don’t have a relapse and end up back in the medical department. We want a physical base with all the players so they can last as long as possible. As Fábio (fitness coach) always says, injuries are part of football.”

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