Cruzeiro Will Treat Brasileirão, Copa & Libertadores Equally

Owner Sets Clear No‑Rest Policy

Pedro Lourenço, the head of Cruzeiro SAF, made it unequivocal that the Raposa will not field weakened teams to save energy for any single tournament. In a chat with TV Cruzeiro he said the mindset is to win “in every competition, without treating the Brasileirão or the cups as secondary.” The coach will only rotate players for fatigue or tactical reasons, never to “rest” an entire side with another competition in mind. This approach signals a shift from past seasons where squad rotation was used to prioritize one domestic cup over the league.

The chairman’s stance aligns with the club’s financial ambition. He credited the heavy investment to push Cruzeiro into the top five squads in Brazilian football. With the spending came confidence that the current roster can handle a packed schedule without cutting corners.

Transfer Activity Bolsters Confidence

Lourenço reviewed the summer window, noting two high‑profile signings—Gabriel Pec and Gabriel Rojas—that have given him “100% confidence” in the squad. The departures of defensive midfielder Christian and left‑back Kaiki were called “understandable.” Though the club had no desire to sell them, irresistible offers and the players’ personal situations made the deals unavoidable. The new arrivals are seen as key pieces to sustain the club’s competitive edge across all three competitions.

Pedrinho, another executive voice, believes the recent financial injections have elevated Cruzeiro’s overall quality. The influx of talent is expected to help the team meet its aggressive targets in the Brasileirão, Copa do Brasil, and Libertadores without sacrificing depth.

Summer Marathon Schedule

Cruzeiro faces a demanding run from late July through August. The campaign opens on July 22 at Beira‑Rio against Internacional in the Brasileirão, followed by home matches against Botafogo on July 26 and Coritiba on July 30. Copa do Brasil ties against Chapecoense are slated for August 2 (Arena Condá) and August 5 (Mineirão). The Libertadores round of 16 pits the Raposa against Flamengo on August 12 (Mineirão) and August 19 (Maracanã), where qualification will be decided.

Each fixture is treated as a final, reflecting the club’s belief that no competition will be sidelined. The密集 schedule demands full‑strength lineups, and the roster is expected to endure the grind without selective rests.

What This Means for Fans

Supporters can anticipate a charging Cruzeiro side in every match, regardless of the trophy being pursued. The owner’s pledge removes the uncertainty of rotation strategies, giving fans confidence that each game will be approached with maximum effort. As the team meets its three‑front challenge, the club’s ambition to finish among Brazil’s elite will be on full display.