Diniz makes good on Pedrinho’s conviction, targets first national title with Vasco | OneFootball

Fernando Diniz, 51, enters the Copa do Brasil final chasing his first national title with Vasco, adding to a career that already includes a Libertadores triumph. Since Audax-SP in 2017, his bold style has split opinion, and he has coached big clubs and Brazil.

According to Globo.com, this is his first appearance in the competition’s showpiece, with Corinthians the opponents and the two-legged tie opening at Neo Química Arena.

Previously, Diniz reached the semi-finals with São Paulo in 2020, losing to Grêmio, then with Fluminense in 2022, when Corinthians knocked his side out.

After Sunday’s win over Fluminense secured their place, Diniz said it should be a high-level final, praised Corinthians’ quality and backing, and stressed the need to rest and prepare for two demanding games.

The run has vindicated the conviction of Pedrinho, who drove Diniz’s appointment and remained his staunch defender when results dipped.

In November, Vasco lost five straight in the Brasileirão, a sequence that undermined hopes of a direct Libertadores berth next year, including defeats of 3-0 to Botafogo and 3-1 to Juventude at São Januário. Even then, Diniz kept his post.

Last month he hailed Pedrinho as a risk-taking leader driving a revolution without money, and after the 5-0 loss to Atlético-MG on the final day he said he wants to be at Vasco, likes the president and the shirt, and is giving everything, which he feels fans recognise.

Kick-off times are 21:30 on Wednesday, then 18:30 on Sunday at the Maracanã.

Source: Globo.com