Diniz gets full squad boost, Vasco have all reinforcements v Bahia | OneFootball

The coach Fernando Diniz will have, for the first time this season, the ideal scenario to set up his strategy. For the match this Wednesday (11) against Bahia, at São Januário, Vasco da Gama is eagerly anticipating having all the reinforcements signed in the last transfer window. Once the Daily Informative Bulletin (BID) is regularized and physical integration is advanced, Diniz will gain key players to rotate the squad, something he himself highlighted as essential to enhance the internal competitiveness of the group.

The big news on the list of those called up is expected to be the presence of left-back Cuiabano, who is already training without restrictions, and possibly the forward Claudio Spinelli, who is racing against time to finalize bureaucratic procedures but is awaited by the coaching staff.

+ Vasco 2×0 Botafogo! Diniz prioritizes result over performance in the classic and justifies the use of starters: “The most important thing was to win”

Brenner and Hinestroza: Between the “charisma of the goal” and anxiety

The pair of forwards signed for 2026 are experiencing different but evolving moments. Brenner seems to have turned the emotional corner. After missing clear chances against Chapecoense, the number 9 was decisive in the classic against Botafogo, scoring a goal and earning a penalty. Diniz, who defended the player by criticizing the “war-like environment” created by some critics, praised the player's innate characteristic. For the coach, Brenner has the “charisma of the goal” and a historical calmness since his youth, which justifies his starting position and the confidence to lead Vasco's attack against Bahia.

Meanwhile, the situation of Colombian Marino Hinestroza requires a bit more patience. The winger still shows signs of adapting to the intense pace demanded by Diniz. In his appearances, he alternated between good bursts and hasty decision-making. The coach himself diagnosed the scenario: he sees in the Colombian an “electric and incisive” profile but one that suffers from a certain natural anxiety of wanting to prove himself quickly. The trend is that, with a sequence of games, he will settle better tactically to exploit his speed.

Marino and Brenner are adapting to the team – Photos: Matheus Lima / Vasco

The affirmation of Saldivia and the class of Rojas

In the defensive system, Uruguayan Alan Saldivia delivered the response the fans were expecting in the classic. After fluctuating in the first matches, the defender was dominant in aerial play and physical duels against Botafogo. Diniz revealed that the defender was an “old flame,” monitored since his time at Fluminense for being a “virile, fast, and leading” player. This solid performance qualifies him to remain in the starting lineup, bringing the solidity that was missing in the early rounds.

In midfield, Johan Rojas continues to be the technical balance point. The Colombian shows exceptional quality in passing and game reading, being the link between the midfield and the attack. His ability to retain the ball and dictate the pace will be crucial against a Bahia that likes to control the game.

Rojas during the match against Botafogo – Photo: Instagram Johan Rojas

Expectation for Cuiabano and Spinelli

With the team's base settling, the debuts of Cuiabano and Spinelli add depth to the squad. Diniz confirmed that the full-back is “ok” in terms of documentation and fitness and should be ready to play.

Meanwhile, Argentine Spinelli only depends on timely registration, but he is seen as the missing piece to compete for a position and prevent the starters from becoming complacent. As Diniz himself emphasized, “having another good player in your position makes you grow,” and it is with this spirit of competition that Vasco will seek its first victory in the Brasileirão.

Cuiabano could be a new addition to the team facing Bahia in the Brasileirão – 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.