Cuca praises Athletico's “great game” and explains the option for three defenders

On Tuesday night (02), Athletico Paranaense showed its strength in the Copa Sudamericana by defeating Sportivo Ameliano 4-1, in a match held in Paraguay. Coach Cuca was full of praise for the team and explained the tactical choice that contributed to Furacão's success.

Domain and versatility

Cuca highlighted the team's excellence during the match and emphasized the importance of using three defenders. On the defensive line, the coach opted for Thiago Heleno, Pedro Henrique and Gamarra. He highlighted that this strategy brought flexibility and made it difficult for opponents to mark.

_{Gonzalo opened the scoring for Athletico-PR (Photo: reproduction/Instagram/José Tramontin/@athleticoparanaense)}

“ Overall, I think it was a great game for our team. A deserved victory. The team that entered today gives us versatility, as Gamarra also plays on the left flank, just like Júnior Alonso did at Atlético-MG. We studied and knew that their right attacking side was strong in terms of speed and care, and we still had problems. We managed to adjust for the second half and reduced the risks”, evaluated Cuca.

Strategy and preparation for the Brasileirão

The coach also explained that the choice of three defenders with ability to release the ball benefited Athletico. According to him, when using three defenders with this capacity, it becomes difficult for the opponent to score, allowing the wingers to project themselves and attract the wingers into the middle. He highlighted that this strategy is attractive, versatile and creates difficulties for the opponent to adjust tactically.

Cuca, when asked about the team's current stage in view of the Brazilian Championship, emphasized the importance of the work carried out in the state championship and the need for careful analysis. He valued the team's performance in the regional championship, recognizing the quality of teams like Maringá and Operário. The coach highlighted his satisfaction with the work carried out so far, addressing aspects such as goals scored, goals conceded and the level of risk faced. Furthermore, he mentioned the opportunities offered to players. He expressed the planning of a thorough analysis of the squad at the end of the state championship, aiming to strengthen the team for the challenge of the Brazilian, which he considers to be the most difficult competition of the year.

Athletico now turns its attention to the Campeonato Paranaense, where it will decide the title against Maringá at the Ligga Arena. With a 1-0 victory in the first game, Furacão is playing for a draw to win the cup.

Featured photo: Cuca and Mastriani at a press conference after Athletico's victory in the South American Championship (reproduction/Nadja Mauad/Globo Esporte)