Cruzeiro boss names two Flamengo legends to explain Brazil Cup humiliation | OneFootball

Direct contender for the Brasileirão title with Flamengo, Cruzeiro disappointed at Mineirão

After a poor result in the Copa do Brasil, Cruzeiro's coach mentioned the Flamengo idol Arrascaeta to point out a flaw in his own squad. According to Leo Jardim, the current number 10 of Flamengo and Everton Ribeiro stand out for their ability to play in tight spaces. The statement was made last Wednesday (30).

— We managed to recover many players, but I couldn't discover any Everton Ribeiro, Arrascaeta, who can, in small spaces, dribble one, two, make passes, assists, and score goals… if we go to the market, more than reinforcing the team, it's about finding a different player. A player who allows us this type of situation when the opponent comes in a low block -, says Jardim, adding that:

— Our squad, I won't say that Christian, Wanderson, Gabriel, Kaio… are not players with these characteristics. We, as a club, look for players who add to the group. Not due to a lack of competence, but because they have other qualities, aspects, when the opponents are so low and we don't have space to move -, highlights the Cruzeiro coach.

What do Arrascaeta and Everton Ribeiro have to do with it?

The two midfielders, known for their refined technique, had remarkable stints at Cruzeiro in different periods. However, both were part of the winning squad of Flamengo between 2019 and early 2024, when Ribeiro transferred to Bahia.

What was Cruzeiro's result in the Copa do Brasil?

As a direct contender for the Brasileirão title with Flamengo, Cruzeiro ended in a 0-0 draw with CRB in the Copa do Brasil last Wednesday (30). Despite the attempts by Gabigol and company, the team from Belo Horizonte disappointed at Mineirão. The return match will be on the next day 7, in Alagoas.

When does Flamengo play?

As the current champion of the competition, the Rio team faces Atlético-MG this Thursday (31), at Maracanã. The match is set to start at 9:30 PM (Brasília time), with broadcast on SporTV (cable channel) and Premiere (pay-per-view). However, the complete coverage will be provided by Coluna do Fla, through its digital platforms.

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