Pedro Emanuel has given an identity to the team, with clear improvements with and without the ball. Jair, who was recovering from a serious knee injury, has become a key player under the coach, forming the midfield with Tchê Tchê and Thiago Mendes. Paulo Henrique has reassumed his starting role and participates more in the team's offensive play. Cuesta has also recovered under Pedro Emanuel, helping to form a stable defensive duo with Robert Renan.
However, not all players have benefited from the new coach's tactics. Rojas, Barros, and Spinelli have lost space in the team under Pedro Emanuel. Rojas, who was a key player under Renato Gaúcho, has started only one game under Pedro Emanuel, and has been relegated to the bench. Barros has also lost his starting spot, and is now considered a backup option. Spinelli, who was alternating with Brenner in the attack, has had below-par performances and has lost his place in the starting lineup.
The team now faces a crucial period, with matches in the Copa Sul-Americana, Copa do Brasil, and Brasileirão. Vasco will face Olimpia in the Copa Sul-Americana and Vitória in the Copa do Brasil, while trying to avoid relegation in the Brasileirão.