Grêmio manager Mano Menezes did not mince words following his team`s comprehensive 4-1 loss to Cruzeiro at the Mineirão stadium in Belo Horizonte on Sunday. Speaking in the post-match press conference after the Brasileirão (Brazilian Championship) fixture, the coach addressed the performance, admitting his own tactical considerations could have been different, but directing the most significant criticism towards the players` attitude and approach.
The defeat, part of the 13th round of the championship, saw Grêmio line up initially in a 4-2-3-1 formation. Menezes reflected on his setup, acknowledging that in a match resulting in such a wide margin, the coach inevitably bears a share of the responsibility. He stated, “Perhaps I could have protected the team more.” He also noted that the chosen formation was intended for a more expansive style of play, something he felt the team failed to execute.
Calling Out Responsibility and Personality
However, the core of Menezes` message was a direct challenge to the players. Visibly animated during the match, gesticulating instructions from the sideline, the coach explained his frustrations. He highlighted specific tactical decisions that went awry, such as persisting with build-up play down the left side when he believed the right offered better options. More critically, he pointed to a perceived lack of courage and willingness from the players to receive the ball and influence the game when the pressure mounted.
“We hid a little bit from asking for the ball in the most difficult moments of the game,” Menezes asserted. This observation formed the basis of his demand for greater character from the squad. He stressed that at a prominent club like Grêmio, avoiding the ball and shrinking from challenges is unacceptable. “At that moment, you have to have personality, you cannot give up playing. Difficult or not, you have to play,” he insisted.
The starkest part of his message was a clear directive on the expectations at this level: “To be at a big club, you have to assume responsibilities.” This statement serves as a direct indictment of the team`s collective response during the adverse moments of the match against Cruzeiro, suggesting a disconnect between the players` status and their on-field accountability.
Looking Ahead: Changes on the Horizon
With little time to dwell on the defeat, Grêmio`s focus immediately shifts to their next fixture. The team travels directly from Belo Horizonte to Lima, Peru, to face Alianza Lima on Wednesday, July 16th, in the first leg of the Copa Sudamericana playoffs. In light of the performance against Cruzeiro and his pointed remarks, Mano Menezes indicated that alterations to the team lineup and strategy are to be expected for this crucial continental tie.
