After the 2 x 1 victory over Grêmio, in a game valid for the 6th round of the Brazilian Championship, coach Gabriel Milito held a press conference where he highlighted the importance of the result for the team, commented on the strategy adopted during the match and already projected the challenges that Atlético will face in the next games.
Milito highlighted the importance of the victory against Grêmio, especially after the frustrating draw in the previous match at home: “It was very important for us to play and win today. We came from an unbelievable draw here at home in the last game and today we faced a good team, with good players. It was very, very necessary to win today’s match for confidence, to add three points and to continue this positive streak here at Arena MRV”he commented.
Yes, the first half was a little out of control. A game of dangerous situations for us and for them, where the chances to score were clear. We had very, very good interventions and their goalkeeper also made great saves.
At the end of the first half, leading 2-1, we corrected ourselves and were better. Yes, we retreated a few meters and decided to focus more on the counterattack. We could have scored 3-1 at the start of the second half and then, well… a huge effort from all the players, a huge effort in the physical and mental aspect.
The black and white coach commented on Grêmio’s best moment and also explained the choice to retreat the lines in the second half and rely on quick counterattacks. “In the second half we were better defensively. Yes, we retreated a few meters and decided to focus more on the counterattack. We control the game from a slightly lower position, so that, when we recover the ball, we quickly throw it for Hulk, Paulinho and Deyverson to attack. There was a feeling of danger, but there was no real danger.”these.
With a series of important decisions ahead, Milito is already planning the team for the next games, the duel against Fortaleza, away from home and the semi-final of the Copa do Brasil against Vasco. “We have to think, we have to decide and we need to be smart to go to Fortaleza with the idea of winning. There are players who will not be able to travel because they are suspended, and we have an incomplete team.”commented the technician.
Atlético faces Fortaleza at Castelão next Wednesday (16) and is now shifting its focus to the decision of the Copa do Brasil semi-finals against Vasco in São Januário on Saturday (19).