Atletico vs Sao Paulo: Cossito speaks out on injustice and says he was labelled for attacking Kaka: ‘Queridinho’ | Brazilian TV Series A

Atletico that it Sao Paulo Go to the stadium on Wednesday night, at the Liga Arena, in Curitiba, to write another chapter in the rivalry that flourished at the beginning of the century. In addition to the duels in the Brazilian league and the Libertadores, the entry of former midfielder Cossito to Kaká has increased the temperature of the confrontation.

More than 20 years have passed and the move is still fresh in our memory. Cocito says he was stigmatized for his entrance and that he had no intention of hurting his partner. The 19-year-old midfielder was one of the main talents of Brazilian football at the time and ended up twisting his ankle.

– The label stuck, I was labeled as a violent player. In Kaká’s case, I didn’t even get a yellow card. The press created something much bigger. We had much worse incidents that went unnoticed. Kaká was the favourite at that moment. I made others arrive, I took cards, many of them exaggerated, but they passed. I didn’t change my character because of something I didn’t do, completely without malice, lethality. I never went on the pitch to hurt anyone. I spoke to Kaká many times on radio and television programmes, and he saw that it was without malice – recalls Cossetto.

The grass was wet. Kaka slapped me, almost hit me in the face, then we ran, and after the pitch was flooded I grabbed him by his pants. He added that he slipped and ended up twisting his ankle.

Two duels entered the history of the confrontation at the beginning of the century. In 2001, in the quarter-finals of the Brazilian championship, Furacão won and advanced to confirm the title afterwards. Four years later, the two teams faced each other in the Libertadores final, and Tricolor won.

But in the continental decision, Furacao was prevented from playing inside its stadium due to the minimum capacity required by CONMEBOL (40,000). With mobile stands, the club was able to expand from 24 to 36,000, but São Paulo and CONMEBOL did not accept. The first match, which ended in disappointment in red and black, was held at the Beira Rio stadium, in Porto Alegre, 740 kilometers from the capital Paraná.

– We can’t say we’re going to be champions, but the story will be different. There was even an announcement from Amoroso on the 10th anniversary of the invasion. He commented that when they found out the final wasn’t going to be in Baixada, their confidence went up, because they realized how difficult it was to play here. Just look at what it was like in 2001, when we decided to stay at home, and that made a big difference. The fans strengthened our team. It had a positive impact on us, both in the game and in the preparation.

The former midfielder currently lives in Curitiba and will watch Wednesday’s game at the Arena. The ball rolls at 9:30 p.m. (Brasilia time) and the match ends. ge Real time tracks.

See other excerpts from the interview.

Coca leaves Atletico
Arguments happen and you have to be prepared, especially when the result doesn’t come. I don’t see it as the right time for him to leave, especially the way it happened. Given the investment the club has made, it was his centenary year, he could have had more patience. The coach is the leader of the process. If there is an argument, reassure, ask for calm, and resolve it the next day. Inopportune moment, maybe there was a lack of someone else to help too. Atletico lost out initially, but Cuca missed the opportunity to make history at a big club.

Deniz and Eduardo Barros back?
I feel suspicious when talking about Diniz and Eduardo Barros, I am friends with them and I agree with many of their ideas, especially regarding human beings, understanding people, creating bonds, enhancing the athlete through human relationships. Regarding the style of play, the main thing is that you can adapt to different situations. Fluminense are bad today, but they were Libertadores champions, it took two years of work, so a lot of good things were done. We are always in constant evolution and with Diniz it was no different. If that happens, you will have my support, you have a lot to contribute, especially with the help of Eduardo, who knows the DNA of the club.