Crespo praises São Paulo’s courage, reacts to River interest | OneFootball

Coach Hernán Crespo did not hide his satisfaction when analyzing São Paulo's victory over Coritiba by 1-0 this Wednesday at Estádio Couto Pereira, during the fourth round of the Brazilian Championship. The coach praised the team's overall performance and highly valued the result achieved with an alternative lineup.

“I think the team played very well, with the ball and without the ball. They understood what the game demanded and needed, we created opportunities. I want to congratulate Ferreira, Wendell, Tolói. These are players who are playing less. Cauly too, who just arrived. But the players with less playtime showed they deserve to play, they deserve space. They demonstrated they can play. It's not easy to come here and play like São Paulo did, without fear and with courage. This group showed unity, the humility to understand what the game needed,” evaluated the coach.

São Paulo, even with an alternative lineup, maintained an identity, something Crespo has demanded since the beginning of his work in August last year. The Tricolor reached its eighth game unbeaten across all competitions, with seven wins and one draw in this period.

“This [confidence] is fundamental because it's going to be a very long season. South American Cup, many trips, the Brasileirão too, being competitive in the Paulistão. The idea is to be competitive and to have a squad that understands the needs, what the competitions really require. The group is united, with humility. It's a moment where they are very confident,” celebrated Crespo.

Interest from River Plate

Crespo was also questioned about the supposed interest from River Plate in acquiring his services after Marcelo Gallardo's imminent departure. The coach said he was honored to be targeted by the Argentine club but reaffirmed his commitment to São Paulo.

“We have to stay calm. Everyone knows my history with River Plate, we're talking about a great club in world football, just like São Paulo. I think this interest is a compliment to our work, from the staff. But I remain very calm, focused on São Paulo. I know where I am, I know what the club deserves. It deserves focused people. So, I remain very calm,” stated the coach.

Crespo was revealed by River Plate and won the Libertadores there in 1996. São Paulo, on the other hand, is not worried about the possible interest from River Plate in the coach. According to Gazeta Esportiva, the São Paulo club has not received any official contact from the Argentine team so far and trusts in the coach's permanence.

Plans for Sunday?

São Paulo fielded reserves in this Wednesday's match precisely to preserve its main players for the semifinal of the Campeonato Paulista against Palmeiras, scheduled for this Sunday. Crespo, however, was evasive about the plans for the decisive classic.

“About Sunday's game, I won't talk because I think today's victory was very important. The players did very well. Regardless of the three or four defenders' line, the identity is the way the group faces the game, which worked today. It may not work, but São Paulo will fight all the time, for every ball. Today, we played very well,” emphasized the Argentine.

Situation in the standings

With the result, São Paulo reached 10 points and remained in second place in the Brazilian Championship, as Palmeiras also won in the round. Additionally, the São Paulo team maintained its unbeaten run in Serie A, with three wins and one draw in four games, and extended its positive streak to eight games without losing.

Upcoming matches for São Paulo

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