Palmeiras coach Gilson Kleina not thinking about results elsewhere

Palmeiras coach Gilson Kleina has insisted his side are only focused on beating Cruzeiro on Saturday as they attempt to avoid relegation, rather than on results elsewhere.

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The 18th-placed side host Cruzeiro, who are 8th in the Brasileirão, at the Braga Municipal Stadium tomorrow and need a win to gain ground on Bahia, who they beat two days ago.  

Bahia are currently on 35 points, six points ahead of Palmeiras, and visit Corinthians at the weekend.

Gilson Kleina will be hoping that the FIFA Club World Cup representatives do Palmeiras a favour, provided his side can do their job first.

He said: "The best outcome is to do our duty. Winning something matters and we take the points per round.

"We know that at that moment the other results have to help us. The victory of Corinthians, willingly or not, is important because our goal would be closer."

The coach’s thoughts were also shared by Brazilian defender Mauricio Ramos, who has played 20 times this season.

The 27-year-old said: "At this point, we have to think about doing our part. We have to do the work that is to beat Cruzeiro here in Araraquara.

"If Corinthians beat Bahia, it will be good because we'll be closer to them."

Palmeiras’ game with Cruzeiro, and Corinthians’ tie with Bahia kick off at 22:30 BST on Saturday.