Cuca on Atlético-MG’s loss to Cruzeiro, explains Scarpa’s exit | OneFootball

Atlético-MG found themselves in a tough spot in the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil. On the evening of last Wednesday, Galo lost to Cruzeiro 2-0 at Arena MRV, putting them at a disadvantage in the fight for a spot in the semifinals. Coach Cuca assessed the defeat to their rival and explained the substitution of Gustavo Scarpa.

The midfielder was replaced by Reinier at 17 minutes into the second half, just before Cruzeiro's second goal. The coach explained that he needed a player closer to Hulk and said that Scarpa was not having a great game.

“Scarpa was substituted because we put in a playmaker who gets closer to the area. We needed someone closer to Hulk, that's how we beat Bragantino, if I'm not mistaken, with Reinier coming in. A playmaker went out, and a forward came in. I don't see anything unusual about it. The player wasn't doing so well in the match. If he was doing well, he wouldn't have been taken out. It's a very logical thing,” stated Cuca in a press conference after the match.

“Our first half was very good. We could have taken the lead, we created opportunities to score and once again failed in finishing. It was a very intense, fast-paced game. We had more possession and shots, but we weren't effective. And in this type of game, that's what makes the difference. Cruzeiro scores an atypical goal with a very unassuming ball. It changes the whole game, and the context becomes different,” he added.

With the result, Atlético-MG suffered their second consecutive home defeat. Since the return from the Club World Cup, the team from Minas Gerais has won only two matches as hosts. Cuca couldn't explain the poor home performance.

“In five games, we have four home defeats. What used to happen in the past is the opposite; we were practically unbeatable at home. Today, we are far behind in this. There's no explaining what's happening. We have to work to find solutions. Once again, we conceded a goal from a set piece, and it's not for lack of training,” he said.

Atlético-MG is one of the few teams still competing in the three main competitions (Copa do Brasil, Brazilian Championship, and South American Cup). The next challenge will be this Sunday against Vitória at Barradão in Salvador, for the 22nd round of the Brasileirão. Cuca vented about the team's current phase.

“We have to be realistic. We are not playing as well as we can. There are very important players who can play much better, and we are not managing to bring out the essence of each one. It's not for lack of work and dedication. It's simply not happening,” highlighted Cuca.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.