Luxemburgo employs top-secret tactics
SAO PAULO, October 17 (Campeonato Brasileiro) - Palmeiras coach Wanderley Luxemburgo has been battling to keep his team's tactics under wraps as they prepare to face Sao Paulo in the Campeonato Brasileiro.
Just two points separate second-placed Palmeiras from Sao Paulo directly below them, and Luxemburgo is under no illusions as to the importance of the clash.
The coach has even gone so far as to conduct training sessions behind closed doors.
"We have worked on free-kicks and tactical aspects," he explained.
"That is why I didn't want the media watching training. Every detail can be important in this kind of match."
Sao Paulo coach Muricy Ramalho has also restricted public access to training this week, but midfielder Jorge Wagner believes the home fans will provide their greatest worry this weekend.
"They (Palmeiras) will have an entire stadium on their side," said Wagner. "We will have to work hard to win in that environment."
Gremio lead the way in the Campeonato standings with a two-point cushion over Palmeiras, and will visit Portuguesa at Caninde stadium on Sunday.
The Porto Alegre side will have to overcome the absence of defensive duo Leo and Rever as well as forward Morales, after the trio were banned by the Brazilian Tribunal of Sport Justice (STJD) for fighting in a previous game.
Gremio coach Celso Roth has taken the news in his stride though, saying: "If we want to win the tournament we have to overcome these kind of things."
Cruzeiro will be looking to close their four-point deficit on the leaders when they visit bitter rivals Atletico Mineiro, who are struggling to avoid relegation.
Fifth-placed Flamengo, who are chasing a Copa Libertadores spot, will play Rio de Janeiro neighbours Vasco da Gama.
Another team pushing for a place in the 2009 Copa Libertadores are Botafogo, who face Santos.
Also this weekend, defending Copa do Brasil champions Sport take on Nautico, Fluminense visit fellow strugglers Vitoria and Figueirense host Ipatinga.
Internacional entertain Atletico Paranaense while Curitiba take on Goias.
