Fluminense opened the scoring early, but coach Luis Zubeldía expressed his frustration over a defensive mistake during their Copa do Brasil win against Operário. Despite the victory, the team faced boos from the Maracanã crowd after a lackluster performance.
“Some goals are avoidable. The truth is, I haven’t spoken with Jemmes about what happened on that cross. It seemed like he had the ball under control to clear it. I don’t know what he was thinking in that moment,” Zubeldía said during a press conference.
The coach also addressed defensive concerns, noting that the starting center-backs—Juan, Jemmes, and Ignácio—have been regulars since January. “Statistically, we concede goals, sometimes not due to opponent dominance but individual errors. It might be insecurity from recent results, or just the season’s flow. We need to improve, as it’s a shame given our potential.”
On the penalty situation, Zubeldía explained the team’s policy of having two designated takers. “Savarino was the first, John Kennedy the second. We always plan for that. It’s common for coaches to name only one, but we prefer two. The chance for a third goal didn’t happen, and we ended up suffering, but passing was the priority.”
Fluminense took the lead in the eighth minute through a Savarino penalty. After a slow spell, Lucho Acosta doubled the advantage early in the second half. The team then eased off, risking qualification when Felipe Augusto pulled one back for Operário. An opponent’s red card eased the pressure.
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Related topics: Copa do Brasil, Fluminense, Futebol Nacional, Luis Zubeldía
