Atlético Mineiro boss Cuca has backed Ronaldinho to come back stronger after a disappointing performance during the first leg of their Copa Libertadores final against Olimpia.
The misfiring Brazil international was substituted just after the hour mark on Wednesday, as the Paraguayan outfit ran out 2-0 winners thanks to goals from Alejandro Silva and Pittoni.
Cuca had to defend his decision to replace Ronaldinho and now feels the veteran playmaker will turn around his fortunes to help Atlético claim the trophy.
“Nothing went right for Ronaldinho in the first match,” Cuca said on Friday. “He was very well marked and made errors that are not usual for him.
“But he is the most technically gifted player that I have ever managed. He is the player which I think can most help us win the title. Wednesday will be his game, you can be sure of that.”
The Brazilian outfit have it all to do in front of more than 60,000 fans at the Mineirão in Belo Horizonte on Wednesday if they are to claim their first Libertadores title, while Olimpia are vying for their fourth trophy.
The Galo can also become Brazil’s fourth consecutive winner after victories by Internacional, Santos and Corinthians in the last three years.
