Fluminense concluded the Brasileirão well by beating Bahia 2-0 and securing the group stage for the next Libertadores. Coach who arrived in the middle of the season, Luis Zubeldía got the team into a positive streak, but also recognized all the work done throughout the season, including that of his predecessors in the position.
— When we took over the team, direct qualification for the (group stage of) Libertadores was one of the main goals. It wasn’t easy. I have to congratulate the players and the board for a good season at the Brasileirão. President (Mário Bittencourt) and all the people who work with him. For building a good team. Let us also congratulate the commissions that preceded him, with Mano (Menezes) and Renato (Gaúcho) — Zubeldía said at a press conference.
More than 52 thousand supporters went to the Maracanã this Sunday to see the goals scored by Ganso and Thiago Silva. According to Zubeldía’s analysis, Fluminense had a complete afternoon and that’s why they beat Bahia.
— The fans realized that we could achieve the goal. It was a total celebration because we won and two players they love scored goals. It was a full afternoon to close the Brasileirão. We have to rest tomorrow and start thinking about the Copa do Brasil on Tuesday. This is another goal that we have and we must achieve it step by step, game by game.
This Thursday, at 8 p.m., Fluminense begins the semi-final of the national round of 16 against Vasco. Both matches will take place at the Maracanã, with the return taking place next Sunday. The Argentine coach designed the classics.
— The team is doing well, playing well, solidly. The players have their feet on the ground. Each match is different, and the contexts of a World Cup are different from those of the Brasileirão. In the cup, it’s 180 minutes. In the Brasileirão, it’s match by match. But, within 180 minutes, it is still essential to get off to a great start. We will recover and we will come out with everything for the Copa do Brasil, which is a fundamental objective.
During the press conference, he also praised Thiago Silva, captain and one of the main leaders of the team, and was impressed with his quality.
— It’s really a pleasure to be able to direct Thiago. I think his teammates and the fans are also happy to have him by their side. Even if he is human and he may have faults, what he does on the ground is to highlight it, especially among new generations. Here we have a defender who is perfect. This is something you should take advantage of. In the “book” on how to be a defender, he is perfect in the imperfect way he can be. And it’s not in Europe, it’s here.
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