Why Jefferson Savarino has lost ground at Fluminense? Find out | OneFootball

Why Jefferson Savarino has lost ground at Fluminense? Find out | OneFootball

In partnership with

Yahoo sports
Icon: RTI Esporte

RTI Esporte

·30 September 2026

Why Jefferson Savarino has lost ground at Fluminense? Find out

Article image:Why Jefferson Savarino has lost ground at Fluminense? Find out

Jefferson Savarino entered the FIFA international break in an unusual situation at Fluminense. A starter for much of the season, the Venezuelan lost ground after the change in management and is no longer one of the first attacking options.

RTI Esporte Agency has learned that Savarino has played just 86 minutes since Marcão took over the team. In the last two matches, against Corinthians and Platense, the attacking midfielder did not even come off the bench.


OneFootball Videos


The run of games changed the coach’s pecking order, especially with the rise of Yeferson Soteldo. With a more direct style, the No. 30 has become an important option for Fluminense’s attack.

Jefferson Savarino offers greater creative ability and can play centrally, while Soteldo looks more for one-on-one duels and acceleration down the left flank. The choice, therefore, is related to the style Marcão intends to use.

Instead of favoring an attacking buildup more reliant on the attacking midfielder’s involvement, the coach has started looking for a more direct team, with quick transitions and greater aggressiveness down the wings.

Yeferson Soteldo earned more playing time because of his profile

The competition between the Venezuelan attackers is not seen as a problem within the Fluminense squad. The two know each other from the national team and maintain a close relationship, according to Jefferson Savarino himself.

“We’ve known each other since our time with the (Venezuelan) national team and we always take it well. It’s healthy competition. I can play in all three positions (left wing, central attacking midfield and right wing), but I’ve also played many times on the left. When I’m not playing, I’ll support him, and vice versa,” he said in a recent press conference.

The statement helps put the current situation into perspective. Savarino is not out of the plans, but he has lost his status as a priority. Yeferson Soteldo moved ahead precisely because he offers a more direct solution for the style of play Marcão wants to implement.

Another episode reinforced that scenario. Against Corinthians, Yeferson Soteldo was rested for workload management, and Kevin Serna was ultimately chosen to start the match. Even with a like-for-like option out of the team, Jefferson Savarino remained on the bench.

The break could be decisive for Jefferson Savarino

The period without matches opens up an opportunity for the Venezuelan to regain ground. With fewer games on the schedule, Jefferson Savarino will have time to work on his fitness and try in training to respond to the loss of space.

The situation also requires attention because the season is entering a more crucial stage for Fluminense. With decisive matches ahead, Marcão will need to manage different profiles within the squad and find solutions for the attacking sector.

Jefferson Savarino will have to win back his place in a battle that has changed shape. Marcão has defined his preferences, and Yeferson Soteldo has gained the edge. He can still regain ground, but he will need to make the most of the next opportunities to change the pecking order.

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

View publisher imprint