Luís Castro outlines Grêmio centre-back pecking order and rules out Wagner Leonardo exit | OneFootball

Luís Castro has set out Grêmio’s centre-back hierarchy after the club reached the Campeonato Gaúcho semi-finals, and he ruled out a Wagner Leonardo exit.

According to Gremistas.net, asked who starts on the right, the Portuguese coach said Balbuena remains first choice but did not play due to fatigue after 90 minutes against Botafogo last Wednesday, so Gustavo Martins came in. Luís Eduardo is also an option on that side, while Noriega has returned to his original role in midfield.

Castro added that selections are based on who is in the best physical and mental condition at any given moment, and starting Balbuena would have affected the next match.

On the left, Wagner Leonardo is the starter and has featured in five matches this season. Walter Kannemann is the next in line, followed by Viery.

As it stands, Grêmio’s preferred pairing is Wagner Leonardo on the left with Balbuena on the right.

Source: Gremistas.net