Eduardo Coudet promoted a surprise in Internacional’s lineup in the 2-0 victory over Bolívar. Without Vitão, injured, Hugo Mallo was chosen to be Gabriel Mercado’s defense partner in the match that guaranteed Colorado in the semifinals of Libertadores 2023.
A right-back by origin, the Spaniard had already worked with Coudet at Celta de Vigo. It was the coach, including, who indicated the signing of the player in the middle of the year.
Internacional’s line-up had a bad effect
Before the ball rolled in Beira-Rio, the improvisation generated criticism from the fans and part of the press. The concern was mainly due to the aerial game. Mallo is only 1.73m tall, and in the match in La Paz, Bolívar had crossed 55 times into the colorada area.
Who am I to question a coach’s decision, but Hugo Mallo, by character and stature, doesn’t seem to me the best choice to play in the defense against a team that is characterized by abusing crosses. Qualifies the output, but loses in the most important.
— Insta: Marinho.Saldanha (@marinhosaldanha) August 29, 2023
Coudet really goes with a defender of 1m73 and another of 1m80. The guy plays with fire too much… https://t.co/ti2wvvTmpE
— Vinicius (@viniciusof) August 29, 2023
Why Hugo Mallo? FOR WHAT???
You’re asking to be machine-gunned, right Coudet!!! https://t.co/cLaGcxW0tc
— rich. (@ricardoandrioli) August 29, 2023
Mlk Coudet is very dick, Inter took aerial ball massacre on the way and put a 1.73 rascal in the defense
But the team defends so badly from the top, that kicking the bucket like that is even understandable.
Let’s see in the field https://t.co/m5z9wwhHnZ
— Rodrigo Aaron (@aarao_rodrigo) August 29, 2023
The controversial choice even generated a comparison between Mallo and Musto. Another player of Coudet’s confidence, who passed through Inter in 2020, the Argentine midfielder was frequently cast, but did not perform well with the red shirt.
I see the future repeating the past.
Cool pic.twitter.com/LYziqcGd46
— Ledio Legal (@LedioLegal) August 29, 2023
Choice works and Colorado surrenders
But this time, Coudet’s choice proved to be the right one. With a confident performance, Mallo helped Inter to have defensive solidity. The only real chance created by Bolívar was Nico Hernández’s handball penalty, saved by Rochet.
Hugo Mallo in Internacional 2-0 Bolívar:
• Was the leader in cuts (4) and interceptions (2).
• Totaled 8 defensive actions and didn’t suffer dribbling.
• Hit 88% of passes (43/49).
• Committed 1 foul. pic.twitter.com/lVXDlUwow3
— Sofascore Brazil (@SofascoreBR) August 30, 2023
The Spaniard’s performance earned praise. Ultimately, the Colorados surrendered to Coudet’s decision. There are even those who have compared him to Mauro Galvão, a defender who made history at Inter with just 1.78m.
Hugo Mallo did very well. I’m sorry, Coudet
— Nando (@NandoJRocha) August 30, 2023
Good morning, Hugo Mallo Galvão. #Inter pic.twitter.com/hK6fkbP3ZK
— Leandro Behs (@Lebehs) August 30, 2023
Queue to apologize to Coudet for Mallo’s lineup at this window:
– Journalists have preference!
Cool pic.twitter.com/U9ov8J4n9E
— Ledio Legal (@LedioLegal) August 29, 2023
Position is nothing new for Mallo
Even if the choice was surprising, even more so because it was a decisive game, Mallo had already played as a defender at Celta de Vigo, including with Coudet himself. When the defender was hired, the coach warned about the possibility.
— A full-back who can also play as a defender. Despite not being that tall, he has good aerial game. He already played with me as a defender.
At his introductory press conference, Mallo himself spoke about acting in this position.
“No problem. I feel comfortable, tactically I know the position. I know the moments that exist in this position. I’ve played it, it wouldn’t be a surprise if I need to play it. After all, I am available to the group, to the coach, and wherever I can contribute and help the team achieve results and objectives, I will be delighted.
Information from colleagues @RevistaColorada is that Hugo Mallo was tested by Coudet as a substitute for Vitão. In his presentation press conference, I asked the Spanish full-back about the possibility of playing as a defender. @trivela
SC International pic.twitter.com/xnNLkvDLpE
— Nicolas Wagner (@NicoWagner) August 29, 2023