Vasco try three at the back as Diniz tests new line-up | OneFootball

The coach Fernando Diniz is using the week without games to observe new tactical models at Vasco before the semifinal of the Campeonato Carioca against Fluminense. The football department is undergoing days of restructuring after the qualification against Volta Redonda. The departure of Philippe Coutinho forced the team to seek immediate alternatives in the main squad. The former number 10 was an absolute starter and represented the technical reference of the Cruzmaltino sports project this season.

The coach is testing different dynamics to fill the gap in the offensive sector. The team is dealing with an unexpected medical issue in the central area of the field this Friday (20th). Midfielder Thiago Mendes reported sharp knee pain and missed the tactical moves with the rest of the group at the training center. The information from the closed training sessions was revealed by journalist Lucas Pedrosa.

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Tactical Formation and Offensive Rotation at Vasco

The health department evaluated Thiago Mendes' joint and ruled out the existence of a serious structural injury. The coach tested a variation with 3 defenders in the absence of the starting marker. Defender Saldívia took a spot in the main team for the formation of the new containment system. The team is conducting numerous tests with a rotation system of front players in the simulation of different match scenarios.

Reinforcements Rojas, Spinelli, Marino, and Brenner alternate positions in attack activities and intensify internal competition. The coach has not defined the official starting team. The probable lineup includes goalkeeper Léo Jardim. The defensive system features Puma, Cuesta, Robert Renan, and Lucas Piton. The midfield operates with Barros, Tchê Tchê, Nuno, and Rojas. Andrés Gomez and Brenner lead the offense.

The tactical scheme allows the use of full-back PH on the right side. Defender Saldívia can replace Tchê Tchê in central marking. Forward Spinelli competes for the position of center forward.

Saldívia may earn a spot on the team – Photo: Matheus Lima/Vasco

Cuiabano Out

Full-back Cuiabano is undergoing an intense physical improvement routine at the club's facilities. The player participates in part of the training with the group and focuses the other half of the time on individual athletic conditioning.

Cuiabano's presence in the Sunday match at 6 PM is considered very unlikely by the technical staff. The Cruzmaltino team faces Fluminense in the semifinal of the Campeonato Carioca. The chances of utilizing the full-back increase for the subsequent match against Santos in the Campeonato Brasileiro.

Cuiabano has already been presented but remains unfit to play – 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.