Renato Portaluppi defended his decision to field a mixed Grêmio side against Flamengo, saying several players were too tired to play the full match and could have been unavailable for Saturday’s Copa do Brasil semifinal against Atlético-MG. Grêmio lost 3-1 at the Maracanã after conceding three goals in the first half, with Amuzu scoring after the break.
Renato said many of the players left on the bench were also at risk of suspension. He argued that playing them while fatigued could have left him short of options for the second leg against Atlético-MG and for the later league match against Bahia.
The coach had intended to bring on starters Enamorado and João Pedro around the middle of the second half. Instead, after a poor first-half display in which Grêmio gave Flamengo space, he introduced them earlier. Renato said the team had effectively watched Flamengo play and that he changed the lineup to prevent the deficit from growing.
Renato also explained why he abandoned the three-centre-back system used in Grêmio’s previous three wins. He said Flamengo’s attackers operate through the middle, and he believed using three centre-backs would have cost Grêmio control of midfield. He started with two regular holding midfielders, Villasanti and Noriega, alongside Dodi.
Grêmio remain in the Brasileirão relegation zone for at least another round. They face Atlético-MG on Saturday at 18:00 in the second leg of the Copa do Brasil semifinal. Grêmio won the first leg 2-0 and can lose by one goal and still reach the final.
Sources: Globo Esporte.