Fernando Diniz secured his third title in charge of Fluminense. This Thursday (29), the Rio de Janeiro team defeated LDU 2-0 at the Maracanã, lifting the South American Recopa trophy.
After the victory, Fernando Diniz once again addressed his departure from the Brazilian national team. The coach expressed regret for not continuing in the position. Diniz believed that his work with the Brazilian national team would have borne fruit.
“I don’t feel disrespected. I appreciate the opportunity I had with the national team. I was fully convinced that in the medium and long term, it would have been very successful, as it was here, because there was a lot of quality in the national team. The chance of failure was zero in terms of the work done. This is not a guarantee of winning titles. But it was interrupted, so I appreciate the opportunity,” he stated in an interview with ESPN.
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“I live my life the way I like, doing my best for football. Doing my best for the players to deliver the best for the fans. We have to use football as a means to improve people’s lives,” continued the Fluminense coach.
Regarding the victory against LDU, Fernando Diniz celebrated the unprecedented title of the South American Recopa. The coach made a point to praise the Rio de Janeiro team’s supporters.
“To share with this beautiful, wonderful fan base, these three colors that represent tradition. This title belongs to you, may you continue to support us. I am very grateful for everything you have done for me, for my career, and you will always be in my heart,” he expressed.
The coach highlighted Fluminense’s performance in Ecuador, despite losing the match 1-0. According to Diniz, the title was built starting from the match in Quito.
“I think it was above all a victory of humility, courage, and not backing down. I think people who comment underestimate those who play at altitude. Fluminense played a great game there. This title started there, not here,” he analyzed.
“There was no bombardment from LDU. The game was well controlled. For those who have the patience to watch and not speak without knowledge because there were many crosses. The players were heroes there. Hardly any team has more possession than LDU in Quito, and Fluminense managed to have possession of the ball, almost 60% there, which was our best way of defending,” he concluded.
