Author: Vishwajit Sawant
Fluminense coach Fernando Diniz expressed his surprise at the tactics employed by Sporting Cristal in their recent draw, acknowledging their opponents’ aggressive marking during the
6th round of the Libertadores group stage
. At a press conference, Diniz discussed the team’s preferred style of play, emphasizing his inclination towards a short passing game. However, due to Sporting Cristal’s high pressure, Fluminense adapted their strategy, resorting to long balls to gain the upper hand and finally secure the draw.
Diniz also addressed the rumors about internal problems in the Fluminense dressing room. Although he denied specific allegations, he asked journalists to investigate and report the truth, stressing the importance of respecting the people involved in the club. Diniz expressed his disappointment at the spread of misinformation, saying that it only damages the trust and loyalty of the fans.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Diniz noted the positive achievements so far, including winning the Campeonato Carioca and topping the Libertadores group. Despite some unfavorable results, he highlighted the team’s resilience and good performance, emphasizing their ability to bounce back from setbacks.
Analyzing the match against Sporting Cristal, Diniz admitted that the game was tense and acknowledged that they were more focused on avoiding mistakes than playing fluidly. Despite this, Fluminense created more chances and showed defensive strength against a well-prepared opponent.
Diniz also acknowledged the mixed reactions of the fans, noting both applause and booing during the game. He expressed the team’s commitment to improving their performance to ensure that all fans leave the stadium satisfied.
Overall, Fluminense’s draw against Sporting Cristal secured their position in the challenging group, and Diniz remains optimistic about the club’s growth and prospects for the rest of the season.