“I'm no coward!” Renato Gaúcho rants after Vasco win at São Januário | OneFootball

Coach Renato Gaúcho broke his silence after Vasco’s 3-0 win over Barracas Central on Wednesday night (27) and fired back with strong statements against the pressure he has been facing behind the scenes at São Januário. In a press conference held right after the final whistle of the Copa Sudamericana match, the Vasco manager rejected labels of being absent and assured that he is fully focused on the team’s work going forward. The coach’s outburst came after forward Adson led the home victory and sealed the Rio club’s place in the Conmebol tournament playoff round.

The main questions from sports journalists revolved around the coach’s disappearance from the touchline and his absence from the press conference after the loss to Red Bull Bragantino in the Brazilian Championship. He pushed back against the questions about his behavior in the technical area and said verbatim:

+ Goodbye alert! Renato Gaúcho could resign from Vasco after Sunday’s match

Explanations and behind the scenes at Vasco

The Vasco coach explained that health issues were the only reason he remained seated on the bench during the moments of greatest pressure from the organized supporters. He revealed that he needed help from the medical department to treat an acute inflammation and explained how duties were divided with his coaching staff. He detailed the on-field working dynamic, saying:

“Today you can already see how I am. Even today, with us winning 3-0, Gabeira went to the touchline so I could save my voice, and the doctor gave me medication.”

Asked whether the recent controversies could make him resign and leave Vasco, he quoted the phrase that marked the start of his work at the club:

The coach’s blunt stance serves to temporarily stop the rumors that he would step down before Sunday’s match against Atlético-MG. Executive director Admar Lopes followed the statement from the offices and knows that keeping the coach ensures dressing-room stability for the rest of the domestic campaign.

The squad leaders, led by midfielder Thiago Mendes, get some breathing room to work at the training center without the immediate disruption of a coaching change.

Renato during Vasco’s 3-0 win over Barracas Central – Photo: Thiago Ribeiro/AGIF

Playoff round and July planning

Despite the emphatic scoreline at São Januário, built on Adson’s attacking display, the club failed to secure sole possession of first place in Group G. The combination of results in the round did not help Vasco’s ambitions, allowing Olimpia to claim the direct spot in the round of 16. As a result, Vasco will have to play an extra knockout round against one of the teams eliminated from the Copa Libertadores shortly after the end of the 2026 World Cup.

The SAF football management will use the international break to focus on the opening of the July transfer window. The market analysis committee is looking to speed up the signing of an experienced right-footed center-back to compete for a place with Uruguayan defender Saldivia and Colombian defender Carlos Cuesta. Vasco’s board knows that improving the defensive line and chance creation has become an essential requirement to give the system tactical consistency and ensure some peace of mind in the Brazilian Championship.

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