Vitor Hugo hails defence, rues loss, eyes Sul-Americana decider | OneFootball

Defender Vitor Hugo left the pitch at Neo Química Arena with mixed feelings after Atlético’s 1–0 defeat to Corinthians on Saturday night, in the 29th round of the Brazilian Championship. Despite his good individual form, the defender emphasized his frustration with the team’s results.

The only goal of the match was scored by midfielder Maycon, with a long-range shot in the second half.

“I’m grateful for the moment I’m living, but I’m upset about the results. Even when we put in the effort and the result doesn’t come, it’s a bit frustrating, it dulls the shine of what we’ve been doing. I’m happy with my work, but not with the results. We’re working hard, putting in a lot of effort day to day,” said the defender.

Adjusted defense and training with Sampaoli

Vitor Hugo praised Jorge Sampaoli’s methodology, especially on the defensive side. According to him, the coach keeps all defenders alert and ready to step into the starting lineup: “We prepared a lot; he works a lot with our defensive line. We don’t know who’s starting until the pre-match talk, and that keeps everyone very prepared. In training we shift the defensive balance together, push up and drop the line when needed. The way he works is very interesting,” he highlighted.

Regarding the goal conceded, the defender acknowledged the opponent’s merit but reinforced that the squad continues to seek improvement.

Turning the page and the altitude challenge

The defender also looked ahead to the rest of the season and stressed the importance of the next fixture, now in the Copa Sudamericana.

“The season isn’t over yet. On Tuesday we have a very important game for our season. An away match—we need to bring back a good result. Now it’s about lamenting as little as possible, focusing on the next game, and improving even more,” he added.

Vitor Hugo also commented on adapting to altitude, recalling the squad’s recent experiences in the international competition: “In the first match at altitude we felt it a lot and I didn’t even play. I did physical work there and needed oxygen. But now, in the match against Bolívar, I barely felt anything. Our team stayed more compact, ran as much as needed to bring back a good result. We kept a good shape, saving ourselves a bit. We’ll see how the coach sets up the team for the next game,” he concluded.

Atlético return to the field next Tuesday (21), at 9:30 p.m., when they face Independiente del Valle in Quito, in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana semifinal. The Ecuadorian capital sits at 2,850 meters above sea level, another challenge in the club’s quest for a place in the final.

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