Sampaoli made five substitutions at half-time: what justification did the Argentinian coach give for winning with Flamengo in Brazil?

George Sampaoli revolutionized Rio de Janeiro. Since his landing a couple of weeks ago at flamencoone of the most powerful clubs in the world, the Santa Fe coach never ceases to make the news: he used his goalkeeper as a ‘free’, he showed himself on social media driving a golf cart in training and this Saturday used all five regulation substitutions together at half-time in the comeback against Bahía, for the sixth fixture of Brasileirao.

‘Mengao’ had to come back from the away result to win 3-2 and get their second consecutive win, thanks to goals from mateus frank, gabigol boring (penalty) e Davide Luiz.

But beyond the success, the 63-year-old coach from Santa Fe caused a sensation because before the start of the second half he made all five regulation changes together.

Chileans Arturo Vidal and Erick Pulgar, plus goalkeeper Santos, Wesley and Bruno Henrique came on for Franca, Maia, Matheus Cunha, David Luiz and Everton.

In the following press conference, Sampaoli – Racing’s rival in the Copa Libertadores – gave the justification for this unusual fact in modern football. “All the changes were due to injuries. Four players on the pitch asked for a change and when we were about to take the field the doctor came and told me that the goalkeeper couldn’t continue due to a muscle injury”explained the native of Casilda.

“The truth is, I was very surprised that I had to make that decision”completed Sampaoli, exposed, for example, to ending the game with fewer players due to another injury or with one of them as goalkeeper if something happened with Santos admitted.

In Bahia, closed in 9 men for the expulsions of Rezende and Kanú, Biel and Ademir scored.

Moreover, fluminense, which is River Plate’s rival for the Copa Libertadores, continues top of the table, after beating Cuiabá 2-0, with goals from Nino and Ganso. Buenos Aires forward Germán Cano (formerly of Lanús and Chacarita) started in the winning cast and played throughout the match.

palmeiraswhich included the entry of striker José Manuel López (formerly of Lanús), drew 1-1 with Bragantino and moved up to second place in the table, with 14 points.

By your side, Atletico Mineiroby the hand of the DT Eduardo Coudetbeat Internacional de Porto Alegre, 2-0, with goals scored by Chilean Eduardo Vargas and Paulinho.

In the Belo Horizonte team, midfielders Rodrigo Battaglia (ex Huracán) and Matías Zaracho (ex Racing), as well as striker Cristian Pavón (ex Boca), were regulars. Defenders Gabriel Mercado (ex-River) and Fabricio Bustos (ex-Independiente) were in the Porto Alegre squad.