Atlético-MG lost the first leg of the Copa do Brasil semifinals 2-0 to Grêmio on Sunday in southern Brazil. Coach Eduardo Domínguez said he hopes the result "touches the ego" of his squad and pointed to a key factor behind his confidence in the team.
Atlético-MG did not produce an entirely poor performance at the Arena, according to the source material, but the team failed to finish its chances well. It also committed defensive errors that led to Grêmio's goals. Domínguez said he had expected Grêmio's strategy and called for calm ahead of the second leg.
The coach said Atlético-MG has already made history but cannot remain attached to that history all the time. He emphasized recovering players for the return match and improving the team's balance in finishing so it can be more accurate and precise.
Domínguez rejected the idea of a "scorched earth" response to the defeat. He said it is a moment to be brave, to believe in what the team does and why it is in this position. He dismissed extreme readings of the situation, saying the glass is neither half full nor half empty. He acknowledged that the team must improve individually and collectively, but repeated that he hopes the loss touches the players' egos.
The coach also cited Atlético-MG's strength at home. He said the team knows how strong it is in its Arena, will have great players returning and must push the group to return to the form it showed previously. He said it gives him tranquility that the players are the same ones, and that this gives hope to the fans. His message was that the team must be hard-headed and insist.
Under Domínguez, Atlético-MG had an exceptional period this year, especially after the World Cup, with only two defeats in 22 matches. However, the team has now lost its last four games.
Atlético-MG and Grêmio meet again on Saturday at Arena MRV. Atlético-MG needs to win by two goals to force penalties or by three or more to advance directly. Any other result gives Grêmio the semifinal spot.
Sources: CNN Brasil.