From Coutinho’s exit to mood under Renato, what changed at Vasco since last Botafogo derby | OneFootball

Vasco face Botafogo again two months on, now unbeaten since Renato Gaúcho’s return. According to Globo.com, several things have shifted in that time ahead of Saturday’s 10th-round Brasileirão fixture at São Januário.

Back in early February, Vasco beat a Botafogo under-20 side 2-0, also at São Januário, with the visitors prioritising the Libertadores qualifying phase.

Coutinho scored in that win, then left the club the following week. Criticised by some supporters after the Volta Redonda quarter-final, he asked to depart.

Fernando Diniz was dismissed after elimination to Fluminense in the state championship, following inconsistent results. Renato Gaúcho, 63, was appointed.

Since then, the mood has changed. Vasco have three wins and two draws in five matches, climbing from bottom to eighth in the Brasileirão.

Renato has refreshed the XI, notably with Cuiabano. The left-back has two goals and three assists in four matches under the new coach and will meet his former club.

With Coutinho gone, Thiago Mendes has taken on technical and dressing-room leadership. The midfielder has the captain’s armband and is repaying the manager’s faith game by game.

Source: Globo.com