Assistant explains Vasco’s strategy and defends players after draw

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Papo na Colina

·8 de abril de 2026

Assistant explains Vasco’s strategy and defends players after draw

The scoreless draw between Vasco and Barracas Central in the opening round of the Copa Sudamericana left a sense of frustration within the Cruz-Maltino coaching staff. After the match played in Buenos Aires, assistant coach Bruno Lazaroni spoke to the press in the post-match interview (while Marcelo Salles was on the sidelines) and admitted that the result left a bitter taste for the group, even with a completely alternate lineup.

+ Renato Gaúcho’s history with Colombians explains the current situation at Vasco

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Vasco’s strategy and priority on the Brasileirão

The decision to field a reserve team in Argentina was the main topic of the interview. Lazaroni was clear in confirming that the choice was meant to preserve the main squad for the Brazilian Championship, but stressed that the team created enough to win:

“At this moment, we chose to prioritize the Brazilian Championship a little for this round, so these were players who hadn’t been playing regularly. I think we produced enough, in fact, to leave here with the win. So we leave here with a somewhat bitter taste.”

When analyzing the difficulties on the pitch in trying to break down El Guapo’s defensive setup, the assistant pointed to the slow ball circulation:

“We were missing a little more quick circulation with the ball, width, and more presence in the box so we could unlock things. Because when a team sits very deep, you end up not having space to make runs in behind.”

He also revealed that specific substitutions, such as the introduction of Marino Hinestroza, were made through direct requests from coach Renato Gaúcho from a distance.

Backing Vasco’s criticized players

The man leading the press conference also used the opportunity to defend the squad members most criticized after the draw, especially Hinestroza and young player Matheus França. Lazaroni praised the ability and commitment level of Vasco’s players, reinforcing that rotation is essential to keep everyone match-fit.

“We can’t think about a player that way. All the players in the group are capable. Sometimes they respond well in training in a certain way. Matheus França is very dedicated, a super professional kid who was given an opportunity. It’s so he can make the most of opportunities later on,” the assistant explained.

Vasco now turns its focus to the clash against Remo next Saturday in Belém, for the 11th round of the national tournament.

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