Cuca explains Atlético's team rotation and problems with physical issues

Atlético-MG entered the field with full strength to face Corinthians , in the tenth round of the Brasileirão, at Arena MRV. However, in an uninspired game, the teams ended in a 0-0 draw. After the match, Cuca justified the changes in the starting lineup citing the physical exhaustion of the players.

With the draw, Galo reached 14 points and occupies tenth place in the table. Now, the team changes its focus to the South American and will decide the spot in the round of 16 next Thursday (29), again at Arena MRV. Cuca also commented on the direct confrontation against Cienciano, a duel between the leader and runner-up of Group H — only the first-placed team advances directly.

SEE: Atlético and Corinthians disappoint in a goalless draw

"We have six guys with an outbreak [of illness], exhausted. Gabriel Menino couldn't even come to the stadium, Natanael played without being in the best condition, and neither did Everson. With the intensity that the game demands, you can't maintain a high level by always playing like this. You need to change. We try to rotate the squad as much as possible. There is a disparity between the starters and the reserves," said Cuca.

"I ask you: are we going to rest players on Thursday, for the South American? Then we'll lose first place or we won't even qualify. Is it worth it? Now, on Sunday, for the Brazilian Championship, it's another game, against Ceará. Maybe we can think about it. Our squad is short, so we can't rest many players at the same time all the time," concluded the coach.

Follow our content on social media: Bluesky, Threads, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook .