Zubeldía comments on Canobbio’s future at Fluminense: “I hope it’s for the best”

Luis Zubeldía praised Canobbio’s commitment after Fluminense secured qualification for the next stage of the Copa Libertadores with a 3-1 win over Deportivo La Guaira at the Maracanã on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. The coach said the Uruguayan forward had the option of joining the Uruguay national team immediately and skipping the match, but chose to stay and help Fluminense at a crucial moment for the club. Zubeldía said he valued that decision highly, describing it as proof of strong commitment to the team, even if Canobbio may never speak publicly about it.

Zubeldía also addressed speculation about the player’s future, saying he does not know what will happen next and hopes the outcome is best for both Canobbio and Fluminense. He made clear that any transfer talk remains uncertain at this stage.

Looking at the team’s Libertadores campaign, Zubeldía said the group may have appeared manageable on paper because of Fluminense’s structure, investment, and the weight of Brazilian clubs in South American competition, but he stressed that no group is truly easy in modern football. The coach said the team always knew it would face a difficult challenge. He revealed that after a previous match, he felt through both logic and faith that Fluminense could still qualify despite its struggles. He pointed to the club’s work behind the scenes, including the board, sporting director, staff, and players, saying that collective effort helped sustain his belief.

Fluminense confirmed that confidence on the field by defeating Deportivo La Guaira 3-1 and advancing in the tournament. In the other Group C match, Independiente Rivadavia beat Bolívar 3-1, helping define the final standings. At the Maracanã, Fluminense opened the scoring through Savarino before Londoño equalized for the visitors. Hércules restored the lead for the Brazilian side in the first half, and Canobbio sealed the victory in the second half.

The result ensured Fluminense’s place in the next phase of the competition after a tense group-stage campaign. Zubeldía said the qualification should now serve as a foundation for further improvement, adding that the team must continue to grow for the challenges ahead.

The match was played on Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at 9:30 p.m. Brasília time at the Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro. Fluminense lined up with Fábio; Guga, Jemmes, Freytes and Guilherme Arana; Martinelli, Hércules and Lucho Acosta; Canobbio, Savarino and John Kennedy. Deportivo La Guaira were led by Héctor Bidoglio and fielded Varela; Luis Peña, Ortiz, Osio and Gutiérrez; José Correa, Miguel González, Meza and César da Silva; Rivas and Londoño.