Diniz reveals that Arias was expected to play 45 minutes and regrets the defeat against Atletico MG | Fluminense

Atletico MG won the title Fluminense 2-0, Saturday evening, at Arena MRV. One week before the Libertadores final, against Boca Juniors Fluminense The team saved its key players – of the starting lineup, only Fabio and Andre started the match in Belo Horizonte. Coach Fernando Diniz analyzed the match, lamented the mistakes made and admitted that a divided focus was getting in the way at the moment.

-We were unable to produce very clear chances in the first half. The game is more studied and more involved. We conceded a goal from a dead ball and then another goal from a mistake we don’t normally make. We were not dominated by Atletico MG, and we did not play a bad game […] Everyone worked hard to do the best they could in the Brazilian Championship. It is impossible not to remember the Copa Libertadores, but we tried hard to provide the best in the Brazilian tournament.

— Of course, it is impossible to focus only against Atletico and Goias… Since we have surpassed Inter, we have the fans and the establishment. But we are working as hard as possible to focus on one match at a time.

The coach also talked about the key players who played. According to the captain, John Arias was expected to play 45 minutes. Regarding the discussion that took place between Keino and David Braz, on the bench during the second half, he stated that he had no knowledge of what happened.

– Arias had the possibility to enter and play for a maximum of 45 minutes. Andre and Martinelli were going to play. Arias is at most 45 years old. (On the discussion between Kino and David Braz) I didn’t see it. I have become aware of this now. It’s not something that bothers me. They are getting along very well, and this will be resolved smoothly.

The victory was important for Atletico Madrid, which is looking for a place in the 2024 Libertadores. With this result, Gallo raised his score to 49 points and ranks sixth. Hey FluminenseIn turn, it continues its score with 45 points, in eighth place outside the Libertadores classification zone. If they win the title next Saturday, Tricolor will secure a direct place in the group stage of the competition.

Check out other answers from Fernando Diniz:

Does confronting the national team coach motivate opponents? “I don’t think it motivates anyone. I don’t see a connection; players play well because they play well. Easy build-up but no foundation. They’re two great teams.”

Preparing for the Libertadores final: “We are preparing the team every day. We did not give up at any point in the Brazilian Championship. Today we brought in players who were better and healthier. Arias came on in the second half. We take the Brazilian Championship seriously. “The tournament is difficult. When we are on two fronts, it becomes more difficult. “We will do our best to win the Copa Libertadores.”

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