David reveals the atmosphere at Vasco after Renato Gaúcho’s arrival: ‘Much more comfortable’

Vasco da Gama defeated Palmeiras in a comeback victory, securing their first win in the Brazilian championship.

After Vasco’s 2-1 victory over Palmeiras , striker David commented on the atmosphere within the squad since the arrival of coach Renato Gaúcho. According to the player, the coach’s approach has helped to make the players more relaxed and confident on the field.

According to David, Renato has encouraged dialogue within the group and given the players the freedom to express themselves, which has contributed to a more relaxed atmosphere on a daily basis.

“He exudes a lot of tranquility. He gives us the freedom to express our opinions and speak up. He tries to pass on everything he’s learned, but he also says that he doesn’t have all the answers and that he listens to the players’ opinions. In training, he demands a lot, but when we make mistakes, he tells us to stay calm, that things will work out in the game. We already face a lot of pressure off the field, so when it gets too heavy on the field, it ends up weighing on us too. Now we’re much lighter, much more at ease,” he stated.

The striker also commented on the opportunity to play as the team’s main attacking threat. In the match, David was positioned as the most advanced player in Vasco’s attack, a role that demanded different characteristics from him throughout the game.

“Today it’s a new role, but I think I can adapt to what the game demands. When it’s about holding the ball, I believe I can do it well. When I play wide, I try to add more speed. I’m very happy. As I said, the tranquility that Renato conveys and the freedom on the field help a lot. He’s an important figure for me and gives me confidence to keep working,” he said.

David also revealed part of the coach’s conversation with the squad at halftime. According to him, Renato asked the team to maintain the same performance as in the first half, but to make better use of opportunities when they reached the opponent’s penalty area.

“He reassured us and asked us to continue doing what we had been doing, but trying to take better advantage of opportunities when we got into their area. The team maintained the rhythm, pressured Palmeiras, which is a very skilled team. With everyone’s effort and by staying focused, we achieved a great victory, which brings back some confidence to the group and also to the fans,” he concluded.

Vasco returns to the field next Sunday (15), when they face Cruzeiro, at 8:30 pm (Brasília time), at Mineirão, for the continuation of the Brazilian Championship Série A.