The São Paulo coach defended the decision to field an alternative team in the classic match and highlighted that Xeneize did something similar before the clash in the Copa Sudamericana
With the quarterfinals of the Copa Sudamericana stillBoca open, São Paulo is already focused on a night that could define their season. The Brazilian team must overturn the 0-1 suffered at the Bombonera to make it to the top four of the tournament and, for that reason, Dorival Júnior decided to prioritize the rematch even at the risk of suffering another setback in the local championship.
The coach presented a alternative lineup in the classic against Palmeiras and ended up losing 2-0. The decision raised questions, but Dorival himself took responsibility and defended the planning made in relation to the match against Boca. "I take responsibility for the situation. It was a decision we made after talking with everyone, but the responsibility lies with the coach", the coach stated. Additionally, he was emphatic in justifying the choice: "You can be sure that it was the right decision".
Dorival took responsibility for the defeat against Palmeiras
Dorival even referenced what happened on the other side of the series. Boca had also decided to rest a good part of its starters against Central Córdoba, with the aim of arriving in better condition for the international commitment. For the São Paulo coach, that situation must be considered when analyzing the planning of both teams. "We have the possibility of reaching a semifinal on Tuesday, against a tough opponent who precisely did not play to prepare, as happened in the first leg. Yesterday they played in the Argentine championship without any of the summoned players", emphasized the Brazilian.
Dorival's decision was also related to the fatigue his team suffered in the first match of the series. "Our team ran a lot at the Bombonera. I have no doubt that we will have a very contested match on Tuesday and I had the obligation to try to have the best possible team", he affirmed. In the same vein, he added: "I wanted a fully recovered team for Tuesday and I am certain that it was the right path.”
The rematch will take place this Tuesday, September 15 at 21:30 (Argentine time) at the Morumbi Stadium and will determine the semifinalist that will face the winner of the clash between Vasco da Gama and Independiente Santa Fe.
