From just two points above the relegation zone to 8th place. Vasco’s 1-0 win over Athletico Paranaense on Sunday at São Januário gave the team a major leap in the Brasileirão standings. In a post-match press conference, Renato Gaúcho emphasized the significance of climbing the table.
“We played well from the start. We created chances, showed the hunger I keep asking for, didn’t give our opponent any opportunities, and managed to escape the danger zone with great commitment. We made a jump in the standings,” the coach analyzed.
With 20 points, Renato’s message is clear: look upward. For the coach, Vasco’s target is to fight for a spot in next year’s Copa Libertadores.
“As for our fans, they can see what we’re doing. Everywhere I go, people congratulate me on our work, and their support has been essential—always showing up and cheering. When I arrived, I said I wanted my group to have plenty of passion, and I won’t get tired of repeating that word. That commitment, that passion they show on the pitch is exactly what the fans want to see,” he stated.
Renato doesn’t want Vasco to be “Robin Hood”: “We can’t take points from the big teams and give them to the small ones.”
“Against the top five teams, we have four wins and one draw, but we can’t be Robin Hood—taking points from the big sides and giving them away, with all due respect, to the smaller ones. So we need to string together good results so that, from the second half of the season, we can fight for bigger things in the championship. We have to think big, at least aim for the Libertadores. To do that, we need consistency,” he added.
So far, Vasco has beaten Palmeiras, Fluminense, São Paulo, and Athletico—four of the top five—and drawn with Flamengo, who are second. Against teams in the relegation zone, they drew with Remo and Chapecoense and lost to Mirassol.
Vasco returns to action on Wednesday to face Paysandu at São Januário in the second leg of the Copa do Brasil’s fourth round.
More from Renato Gaúcho
On Adson’s playing time after his injuries
“Adson was sidelined for almost two years. He’s coming back from an injury, and it’s tough to return after such a long layoff. Even if he could have played the whole game, sometimes you need to make substitutions—otherwise you wouldn’t need a bench. When the opponent started to gain momentum on the flank, I had to change things. The most important thing was the players’ commitment. This win puts us in 8th place, and that’s what matters most.”
On Mother’s Day
“Congratulations to all mothers around the world. Mother’s Day is every day, but today is special. If you have your mother, take good care of her. Everyone says behind a great man is a great woman—I believe beside a great man there is always a great woman.”
Why Adson and Andrés Gómez started ahead of Rojas?
“The lineup I choose depends on the opponent and what we need. I knew Athletico-PR played with three center-backs and two wing-backs, so there’s nothing better than having a dribbler who can take on defenders one-on-one. But it also depends on our needs and the opponent. Besides, it’s impossible to field the same team every three days. I rotate to bring fresh energy and rest some players.”
Assessment of the team’s performance
“The result may be negative, but what’s unacceptable is a lack of fight. That’s what I demand from my group, regardless of who starts or which competition it is. I think this desire, this commitment, these attitudes that the group has shown in every game are crucial—especially since we play every three days. How can we…”