Zubeldía explains John Kennedy on bench: “I had to start Hulk”

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·18 Juli 2026

Zubeldía explains John Kennedy on bench: “I had to start Hulk”

The decision to start the match against Bragantino with John Kennedy on the bench was explained by Luis Zubeldía after Fluminense’s 1-1 draw this Friday at the Maracanã. The coach said the choice was strategic and highlighted the striker’s importance within the squad.

According to the Argentine, the plan was to begin the match with Hulk as the main attacking reference, leaving John Kennedy as a player capable of changing the game as it went on.

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— It’s a position where I have good players, and we felt the best option was to start Hulk there. And we had John as an important substitution, someone who knows what it means to come on at the Maracanã and has done it very well before. I was convinced we had to start with Hulk and have John as an alternative.

Zubeldía also made it clear that the choice does not mean John Kennedy is losing ground and said the competition for places will remain open throughout the season.

— Just as at another point John or another player will start.

John Kennedy came on during the match and was one of the options used by the coach in the attempt to secure the draw, which came in stoppage time through a goal by Ignácio. The striker ended up being sent off after a clash with Red Bull Bragantino players.

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