Cruzeiro boss cites two Flamengo legends after Copa embarrassment | OneFootball

Direct competitor for the Brazilian title with Flamengo, Cruzeiro disappointed at Mineirão

After a poor result in the Copa do Brasil, Cruzeiro's coach mentioned the red-black idol Arrascaeta to point out a flaw in his own squad. According to Leo Jardim, the current number 10 of Flamengo and Everton Ribeiro stand out for their ability to play in tight spaces. The statement was made last Wednesday (30).

— We managed to recover many players, but I couldn't find any Everton Ribeiro, Arrascaeta, who can, in small spaces, dribble one, two, make a pass, assist and score a goal… if we go to the market, more than reinforcing the team, it's looking for a different player. A player that allows us this type of situation when the opponent comes in (block) low -, Jardim affirms, adding that:

— Our squad, I won't say that Christian, Wanderson, Gabriel, Kaio… are not players with these characteristics. We, as a club, look for players who add to the group. Not for lack of competence, but for having other qualities, aspects, when the opponents are so low and we don't have space to transit -, highlights the Cruzeiro coach.

What do Arrascaeta and Everton Ribeiro have to do with it?

The two midfielders, known for their refined technique, had marked passages through Cruzeiro in different periods. However, both were part of the winning squad of Flamengo between 2019 and the beginning of 2024, when Ribeiro transferred to Bahia.

What was the result of Cruzeiro in the Copa do Brasil?

Direct competitor for the Brasileirão title with Flamengo, Cruzeiro drew 0-0 with CRB in the Copa do Brasil last Wednesday (30). Despite Gabigol and company's attempts, the Belo Horizonte team disappointed at Mineirão. The return match will be on the 7th, in Alagoas.

When does Flamengo play?

Current champion of the competition, the Rio team faces Atlético-MG this Thursday (31), at Maracanã. The start is scheduled for 21h30 (Brasília time), with transmission by SporTV (closed channel) and Premiere (pay-per-view). The complete coverage, however, is in charge of Coluna do Fla, through its digital platforms.

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