Source: Wikimedia Commons The news that Cruzeiro has become a Football Federation (SAF) and its subsequent acquisition will be good news in itself. When it became known that Ronaldo Fenômeno, released by the club, was the buyer, the headline grew even bigger.The facts flooded the media, social networks and campaign platforms with information and opinions about the sector.
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Ronaldo has been in the business for years and buying clubs is nothing new. The former striker signed for Valladolid in 2018 and the results were less than impressive. But those who seek to compare one group with another do not take into account different circumstances and factors.
Valladolid is a small club in Spain, in a championship dominated by two teams (Barcelona and Real Madrid) that earn several times more money than clubs in the second division of national football and the increasingly powerful Atlético de Madrid. The club has only one official title, the League Cup, which disappeared in the 80s.
Cruzeiro, despite its current state of degradation, is a two-time Libertadores champion, a four-time Brazilian champion, the biggest winner of the Copa do Brasil (sixth) and has a history of renowned stars who have played for the club. . The recovery will be difficult, but with such a large fan base and culture, the task will be easier than at a typical Spanish club.
The beginning of the recovery Ronaldo's first steps for Cruzeiro are clear: continue preparing for 2022 and pay off debts. One of the club's most recent problems has been FIFA transfer bans (called transferbans), which are often imposed for failing to pay another club for transfers.
The debt that attracts the most attention at the moment is the transfer of Uruguayan defender De Arrascaeta, but president Sergio Rodrigues has already announced that the signing of midfielder Rodriguinho from the Egyptian Pyramids team was also not paid at the time. The value of the two players, who no longer play for the club, is US$50 million.
Regardless of the economic strength of Ronaldo and his potential partners, it is unrealistic to expect all debts to be paid off and the team to be rebuilt quickly, especially in a Serie B year where revenues are low. The fact that it is the third year in the second division can also calm fans' nerves a little, especially if the team doesn't start the tournament well.
But the biggest challenge in 2022 would be not to rise again. 2021 was already a bittersweet year, as it was the club's 100th anniversary and on the field the team saw Atlético-MG win Mineiro, the Brazilian Championship (after 50 years) and the Copa do Brasil while Cruzeiro had a terrible campaign at the second club.
The plan initiated by Alexandre Mattos, to return to the club, seems to have already been put aside because the director will not continue, one of Ronaldo's first decisions. Vanderlei Luxemburgo also does not appear to be a candidate for coach, although he is still in the role. Fernando Diniz is one of the names mentioned.
With the State Championship knocking on the door, the expectation is that Cruzeiro will advance with other players; Many names have already arrived, such as defender Maicon, defender Pará and midfielder Pedro Castro. After being just five points above relegation to Series C, Cruzeiro fans waited longer to celebrate and return to the stands. I prefer to say that Atlético-MG has a star-studded squad with impressive trophies.
Cruzeiro's financial recovery is already guaranteed after dark years of salary delays, lawsuits and just bad news about old signings and resources. On the field, sports adjustments may take a little longer. The first objective will be to move to Série A as quickly as possible in 2022.