Grêmio players and board call for patience with Luís Castro after São Paulo defeat | OneFootball

Grêmio’s players and hierarchy have backed Luís Castro and urged patience after a 2-0 defeat at São Paulo on Wednesday night.

According to Globo.com, midfielder Willian and defender Balbuena spoke outside Morumbis, asking for more time to absorb the head coach’s ideas amid a busy run and tough opponents. They said the team are working to improve and the board share that view.

Willian stressed that new work takes time to click, adding they are at the start and trying to take on board Castro’s instructions. One setback, he said, should not wipe out what has been built so far.

Balbuena noted it has been about one month with Castro, with many matches in between. The players know what he wants and are trying to implement it, but he called it a process and said they believe in his work.

The 2-0 reverse was Castro’s 10th match in charge, leaving five wins, one draw and four defeats, a 53% return. By Wednesday he had completed 40 days in the job, having started on 2 January.

Vice-president of football Antônio Dutra Junior said early fluctuations were expected given major changes to the squad and training methods, and that the focus is on work and adjustments.

Grêmio host Juventude at the Arena on Sunday at 17:30 in the first leg of the Gauchão semi-final. Their next Brasileirão fixture is on 25, when Atlético-MG visit the Arena.

Source: Globo.com