Cuca explains Atlético-MG rotation, highlights cup focus: "There are risks" | OneFootball

This Sunday, Atlético-MG lost to São Paulo by 2-0 in the 21st round of the Brazilian Championship, in a match held at Morumbis. With a mixed squad for the game, coach Cuca explained the rotation and spoke about focusing on the cup competitions.

“Few squads can compete on three fronts without having to prioritize. We don't have such a large squad to be able to field the starting team today. We have to collect as many points as possible in the Brasileirão, we can't neglect it. But today, a choice had to be made,” said the coach in a press conference after the match.

By starting five reserve players, Cuca made it clear that the focus is on this Wednesday's derby. Atlético-MG will host Cruzeiro at Arena MRV, in the first leg of the Copa do Brasil quarterfinals. The match kicks off at 7:30 p.m. (Brasília time).

The coach admitted it was a calculated risk to prioritize the cups, but explained the reason for choosing the knockout tournaments.

“You have to put your strength where you are closest. We are five games away from being champions of the Sudamericana. From being champions of the Copa do Brasil. Of course, this means putting more effort into these cups… These are calculated risks. Who will say whether we are right or wrong is the future,” he concluded.

After the Copa do Brasil match, Atlético-MG will turn its attention back to the Brasileirão. Galo visits Vitória this Sunday at 6:30 p.m. (Brasília time), at Barradão. Cuca’s team is in 12th place, with 24 points.

In addition to the national tournaments, Atlético-MG is also still alive in the Sudamericana. On September 17, at 7 p.m., the team faces Bolívar at Hernando Siles, in Bolivia, in the first leg of the continental competition’s quarterfinals.

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