“Hard to put into words”: Diniz hails Vasco, targets Copa do Brasil | OneFootball

Living one of the best moments since his return to São Januário, Fernando Diniz opened up about his relationship with Vasco and his expectations for the rest of the season. In an interview on the show “Face to Face with the Guy”, on Romário TV, the coach expressed his affection for the club, explained the reasons for his return, and commented on the chances of winning the Copa do Brasil, a competition in which Cruz-Maltino is in the semifinals.

– I have a connection with Vasco that's hard to explain. I love the fans, I really wanted to come back. When I used to play at São Januário, I found it incredible, felt motivated, and wanted to experience it from the Vasco side one day. I came in 2021, in Serie B, when many people around me didn't want it, but it was a calling. I stayed for two months and knew I would return. Pedrinho's presence was crucial. I did everything to help during this difficult time in recent years — declared the coach.

+ Vasco knocks down another coach in the Brasileirão

Fernando Diniz sends a heart to Vasco fans after victory against Fluminense (Photo: Jorge Rodrigues/AGIF)

Diniz also highlighted the internal environment of the club, praising not only the players but the entire structure and the sense of unity among the professionals.

– One thing different about Vasco is that it has a very harmonious staff. People like working at Vasco. It's not an institution driven by vanity; it's something supportive, which is related to the club's history — he added.

Diniz talks about “25% chance” of winning the title

Having qualified for the Copa do Brasil semifinals, the coach believes that Vasco can aim high but prefers to keep his feet on the ground. According to him, the four semifinalist teams — Vasco, Fluminense, Cruzeiro, and Corinthians — have equal chances of winning the title.

– We have a 25% chance just like everyone else. It's only in December, and we had a good transfer window. The team is becoming more mature and cohesive. Vasco had many good players with low self-esteem, but they are recognizing themselves and seeing that they can achieve more and win more important things — he assessed.

+ Check out Vasco's upcoming commitments in the Brasileirão

Coutinho, from Vasco, is chased by Fluminense players in a Brasileirão match (Photo: Jorge Rodrigues/AGIF)

Vasco faces Fluminense on December 10 and 12 in search of a spot in the final. In the other matchup, Cruzeiro and Corinthians will duel on the same dates.

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