Pedro Emanuel promises to take Vasco out of the relegation zone

"The Brasileirão classification says a lot about the moment. The priority is to put Vasco back in the place it deserves. I don't consider the situation delicate, because the points difference is still small", he stated.

The coach said he follows Brazilian football and highlighted the quality of the competition. Before accepting the invitation, he also spoke to professionals who had already worked in the country.

"I am aware of the Brazilian Championship due to the quality of the players and because it is one of the best competitions in the world. I spoke with coaches who have been here and who are references for their successful trajectories", he declared.

Pedro Emanuel highlighted the size of the challenge and the impact of the signing in Portugal.

"It's a big challenge because Vasco is a huge club, not just in Brazil. Since the news broke, many people in Portugal have contacted me. We have prepared well to take on this mission," he said.

Still little known to the Brazilian public, the coach said he understood the distrust surrounding his name and promised to gain space through his work.

"I understand the skepticism regarding my choice. I know that I am unknown to many, but I want everyone to know our team for the work we are going to do", he stated.

According to the coach, changes need to start immediately. Pedro Emanuel pointed to the defensive organization and the recovery of the squad's confidence as central points at the start.

"The intervention needs to be immediate, because things are not going well. Our mission is to organize the team, make it compact and restore the confidence that the players need. Conceding goals in every game is not just the responsibility of the defenders. Today, everyone attacks and everyone defends. Football depends on the team", he explained.

Pedro Emanuel replaces Renato Gaúcho, fired on June 19. The change in command took place during the calendar interruption due to the 2026 World Cup.

After 18 rounds, Vasco occupies 17th place in the Brasileirão, with 20 points, within the relegation zone. The team has five wins, five draws and eight defeats.

At 51 years old, Pedro Emanuel will have his first experience in Brazilian football. The Portuguese has already worked as an assistant at Porto and commanded teams such as Acadômica, Arouca, Estoril, Almería, Al Nassr, Al Ain, Al-Khaleej and Al-Fayha.

With his arrival, the Brazilian Championship now has six Portuguese coaches: Pedro Emanuel, at Vasco; Abel Ferreira, in Palmeiras; Leonardo Jardim, at Flamengo; Artur Jorge, in Cruzeiro; Franclim Carvalho, in Botafogo; and Luís Castro, at Grêmio.

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