Crespo hails squad players after away win: “They showed their worth” | OneFootball

As could only be expected, coach Hernán Crespo did not hide his enthusiasm with the solid 1-0 victory secured by São Paulo’s reserves over Coritiba on Wednesday night (25), away from home. The result keeps the tricolor club at the top of the Brazilian Championship.

In his post-match press conference, the Argentine coach emphasized that the performance and the win are fundamental to show that the players who are not being used frequently are capable of performing when needed or by his choice. Of course, it also boosts their confidence.

“I think the team played very well, both with and without the ball. They understood what the game demanded and needed, we created chances. I want to congratulate Ferreira, Wendell, Tolói. These are players who have been playing less. Cauly as well, who just arrived. But the players with fewer minutes showed that they deserve to play, that they deserve space. They showed they can play. It’s not easy to come here and play as São Paulo did, without fear and with courage. This group showed unity, the humility to understand what the game needed,” he said.

The result at Couto Pereira marks the Morumbi club’s eighth unbeaten match across all competitions, with seven wins and one draw. In the Brasileirão, they have now reached ten points in the main national competition and will remain at the top of the standings.

“Confidence is fundamental, because it’s going to be a very long season. The South American tournament, lots of travel, the Brasileirão as well, being competitive in the Paulistão. The idea is to be competitive and to be able to count on a squad that understands the needs, what the competitions really require. The group is united, with humility. It’s a moment when they are very confident,” he added.

After resting his main squad, Crespo will now have his entire team available for the semifinal of the Campeonato Paulista on Sunday (3/1), against rivals Palmeiras, in Barueri (SP). In the Brasileirão, the team will return to the pitch only on March 12 (Thursday), at 8 p.m. (Brasília time), against Chapecoense. The match is a home game for Tricolor, but it has not yet been confirmed for Morumbi, which is occupied by the AC/DC concert.

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