Botafogo manager Tite is restructuring his midfield around returning international Danilo and marquee signing Hakim Ziyech ahead of Wednesday’s derby against Vasco da Gama at the Engenhão stadium, according to reports from thefootball.com.br. The tactical shift comes as the club seeks to build consistency in the Brasileirão 2026 campaign, despite missing several key figures due to international duty and injuries.
Midfield Reorganization Under Tite
The upcoming clash marks Tite’s first classic fixture since taking charge of Botafogo. To anchor the center of the pitch, the coaching staff welcomes back defensive midfielder Danilo, who recently featured in all three friendly matches for the Brazil national team during the FIFA international break. Known for his clean distribution from the back, Danilo will partner directly with Hakim Ziyech, the club’s high-profile acquisition from the second transfer window.
Ziyech Set for First Botafogo Start
Ziyech, a 33-year-old Moroccan winger and playmaker with extensive European experience at Ajax and Chelsea, signed a contract with the Rio de Janeiro club running through the end of 2028. Following a quiet debut against Mirassol where he played as a left-footed right winger searching for the endline, Ziyech is expected to earn his first start in a Botafogo shirt during the derby. Tite’s training sessions have focused on pairing Danilo and Ziyech in complementary roles: Danilo will drop deeper to secure the central lane alongside Huguinho, while Ziyech operates as the primary playmaker, executing long-range passes and deep deliveries.
Ferraresi Rejoins Botafogo Squad After International Duty
Botafogo’s preparations also benefited from the early return of central defender Ferraresi. The 27-year-old Venezuelan international started both of his country’s friendly matches in Asia against Japan and South Korea during the international window. Following an early release by Venezuela coach Oswaldo Vizcarrondo, Ferraresi rejoined Tite’s squad in Rio de Janeiro.
Ferraresi originally joined Botafogo on loan from São Paulo at the start of the season before the club purchased him on a permanent transfer in August. While the defender has previous experience in European football and has previously been deployed as an emergency right-back, his immediate focus remains on solidifying Botafogo’s backline alongside strong statistics in clearances and ball recoveries, highlighted by a headed goal earlier this year against Remo.
Injury Blow as Edenilson Ruled Out
However, the squad remains shorthanded in other areas. Experienced midfielder Edenilson has been ruled out of the classic fixture due to a right thigh injury. The club’s medical department has placed a recovery timeline of four to six weeks on the 36-year-old, though he still aims to return to action before the conclusion of the season.
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