Unbeaten under Renato, Vasco must stop the bleeding in defence | OneFootball

The arrival of high-profile coach Renato Gaúcho has completely transformed the working atmosphere at Vasco. The experienced manager brought fresh energy and restored confidence to the Cruz-Maltino squad, which has put together three major wins and one draw in its last four matches, boasting an important unbeaten run.

However, the coaching staff knows the team still has serious flaws in some crucial areas. Faced with this warning sign, the manager used the long break in the national calendar to make major adjustments to the defensive system, which continues to be a real nightmare for Vasco’s millions of fans.

The excitement over the rise in the standings does not hide the defensive unit’s troubling numbers. Despite taking ten out of the twelve points available since the new coach took charge at Vasco, the team has conceded a total of seven goals and was scored on in every single one of the four matches in this new era.

Since his first day in Rio de Janeiro, the manager has tried to find the desired defensive balance and even changed the team’s tactical structure, implementing a more conservative setup with three natural holding midfielders. Unfortunately, the midfield adjustment has still not been enough to protect the edge of the penalty area.

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The center-back pairing and Cuesta’s hope at Vasco

In an attempt to build chemistry in defense, Renato Gaúcho relied on consistency and fielded the first-choice center-back pairing of youngster Saldivia and promising Robert Renan in all of the opening matches.

However, that persistence could come to an end very soon with the long-awaited return of experienced center-back Cuesta, who is in the final stage of recovery from a serious knee injury.

Vasco’s medical department took advantage of the recent FIFA international break to further intensify the Colombian player’s physiotherapy recovery, laying the groundwork for his return to the pitch.

On the flanks, the team’s standout individual performer has been Cuiabano, who overtook Lucas Piton and claimed the starting spot on the left side.

Vasco’s acid test against Coritiba

Still unbeaten under Renato Gaúcho, the Rio side has made a huge leap in the Brazilian Championship standings and now sits in a comfortable ninth place overall.

The Giant of the Hill returns to action on Wednesday night (01) at 8:30 p.m. for a tough interstate clash against Coritiba on the pitch at Couto Pereira stadium.

The match, valid for the 9th round of Brazil’s top flight, will serve as the big acid test for Vasco to prove the progress of the defensive work carried out during the tournament break, while also requiring the squad to protect its precious unbeaten run.

Renato has won back the players’ trust – Photo: Matheus Lima/Vasco

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