Atlético-MG Defeats Fluminense 2-0 in Brasileirão 2023: Coach Fernando Diniz Analyzes Match and Discusses Preparation for Libertadores Final

Atlético-MG won the Fluminense 2-0, on Saturday night, at Arena MRV. One week before the Libertadores final, against Boca Juniors, the Fluminense spared its main players — from the starting team, only Fábio and André started the match in Belo Horizonte. Coach Fernando Diniz analyzed the match, regretted the mistakes made and admitted that the divided focus is getting in the way at this moment.

Atlético-MG 2 x 0 Fluminense | Best moments | 30th round of Brasileirão 2023

— We weren’t able to produce very clear chances in the first half. Game more studied, more tied. We conceded a goal from a dead ball and then another from a mistake that we don’t usually make. We weren’t dominated by Atlético-MG, we didn’t play a bad game […] Everyone has been working hard to deliver the best possible at the Brazilian Championship. It’s impossible not to remember the Libertadores, but we have tried hard to deliver the best in the Brazilian Championship.

— Naturally, it is impossible to focus only against Atlético, Goías… Since we passed Inter, we have, the fans, the institution. But we work as hard as possible to focus on one game at a time.

The coach also spoke about the starters who played. Jhon Arias, according to the commander, was expected to play for 45 minutes. Regarding the discussion between Keno and David Braz, on the bench during the second half, he stated that he had no knowledge of what happened.

— Arias had the possibility of coming in and playing for a maximum of 45 minutes. André and Martinelli were going to play. Arias at most 45. (About the discussion between Keno and David Braz) I didn’t see it. I’m becoming aware of this now. It’s not something that bothers me. They get along very well, and this will be resolved smoothly.

1 of 1 Fernando Diniz in Atlético-MG x Fluminense — Photo: Fernando Moreno/AGIF Fernando Diniz in Atlético-MG x Fluminense — Photo: Fernando Moreno/AGIF

The victory was important for Atlético-MG, which is looking for a place in the 2024 Libertadores. With the result, Galo reached 49 points and is in sixth place. O Fluminense, in turn, continues with 45 points, in eighth place, outside the classification zone for the Libertadores. If they are champions next Saturday, Tricolor will guarantee a direct place in the group stage of the competition.

Check out other answers from Fernando Diniz:

Does facing the national team coach motivate opponents? “I don’t think that motivates anyone. I don’t see a relationship; the players play well because they play well. An easy construction to make but without foundation. They are two great teams.”

Preparation for the Libertadores final: “We prepare the team every day. We didn’t give up at any point in the Brazilian Championship. Today we brought the players who were better, healthy. Arias came on in the second half. We are taking the Brazilian Championship very seriously. The championship is difficult. When we are on two fronts, it becomes a little more difficult. We will do our best to win the Libertadores”.

Watch: all about Fluminense on ge, on Globo and on sportv

2023-10-29 03:11:15
#Diniz #reveals #Arias #expected #play #minutes #regrets #defeat #AtléticoMG