Pressured by Cruzeiro fans before, during and after the game against Flamengo in the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores, this Wednesday, at Mineirão, when he was called a "mercenary", coach Leonardo Jardim took the opportunity to explain why he left the Minas Gerais team at the end of last year and accepted to manage the Rio team.
Jardim responds to 'mercenary' criticism from Cruzeiro fans: 'Nobody says no to Flamengo'
Pressured by Cruzeiro fans before, during and after the game against Flamengo in the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores, this Wednesday, at Mineirão, when he was called a "mercenary", coach Leonardo Jardim took the opportunity to explain...
Both parties, Cruzeiro and Jardim, understood not to continue. My intention was not to continue in Brazil and, therefore, I said that I would no longer work here.
- My intention was to go to the Middle East, but the war started.
- Then, I had an invitation from Flamengo, which is the biggest club in South America, and no one can say no to Flamengo", said Jardim, in a press conference after the 1-1 draw.
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"They are creating a lot of hatred, but I am very calm. Both parties, Cruzeiro and Jardim, understood not to continue. My intention was not to continue in Brazil and, therefore, I said that I would no longer work here. My intention was to go to the Middle East, but the war started. Then, I had an invitation from Flamengo, which is the biggest club in South America, and no one can say no to Flamengo", said Jardim, in a press conference after the 1-1 draw.
Jardim considered the draw good, which took the decision to next week, at Maracanã.
"I understand that the result was fair. Now, we have to repeat a good performance at home and achieve the objective, which is to qualify in front of our fans. We are at half-time in the game."
Jardim did not confirm whether he will maintain the same team formation in Rio, with Bruno Henrique, Samuel Lino and Gonzalo Plata.
"We have 15 or 16 starters. Paquetá and Pedro are among them, but I can't talk about the game with Cruzeiro because I still have Mirassol in the Brazilian Championship at the weekend, in a very important duel."
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