Vinícius Pacheco celebrates new chance as a starter
Player answers questions from visitors to Flamengo's official website on "Você Entrevista"
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
"Look at Vinícius Pacheco," jokes defender David at the end of another Flamengo recreational training session. A familiar sight for those who follow the club's daily routine. But the Rubro-Negro Nation is closely watching the progress of this 25-year-old, who has returned to the club that revealed him after being loaned to several other teams. Initially suspicious, the fans have already won over the midfielder's talent, as he answered questions submitted by netizens on Wednesday's "Você Entrevista" (You Interview).
Vinícius, who starts in the upcoming match against Caracas, spoke about the team's tactical scheme, his feelings for the club, the responsibility of replacing Petkovic, and much more. Learn a little more about the career of this young prospect who became a reality in 2010. Flapedia, and check out the full chat below:
Fabio Santos de Campos e Silva – Vinícius, is it possible to play with two midfielders in Flamengo's midfield or will the team become too attacking?
I don't see much of a problem with playing like this. Michael and I trained like this last week, we played a lot of time in the final against Botafogo, and I think the team can perform well. I think the important thing is to attack intelligently and want to help the team achieve a result, regardless of the lineup. I'm very happy with the opportunity to return to the starting lineup for this game against Caracas, and we'll go after that qualification.
Carlos Junior – Football is very fast-paced, which facilitates its style of play. Why don't we see players using one-twos during games? It's a simple fundamental that adds a lot of speed to plays, especially through corners. What do you think?
I can help because of my ability to carry the ball quickly, and playing on the wings is easy for me. I was successful in those plays against Botafogo; I created some one-on-one opportunities, and I believe I can contribute in that regard. I try to make as many plays as possible like that. Coach Andrade has already discussed this, about positioning me on the wings, and I'm working on that.
Wendel Henrique do Nascimento Carvalho – Do you consider yourself a versatile player? Wouldn't it be more beneficial for you to play in another position, such as a third midfielder—the same position as Kleberson?
I think I can be considered versatile. I used to play as a midfielder, more centrally, setting up plays, then I also moved into attack, then more widely on the wings... I believe I've been performing well, especially on these wing plays, and I'm available for whatever Coach Andrade needs.
Luiz Claudio Gomes de Freitas – Why doesn't Flamengo shoot so little from outside the box? Is this part of Flamengo's strategy, or is it simply that no one takes any chances?
Our team is technical, moves the ball around a lot, has a high level of skill, and sometimes ends up carrying the ball more than shooting. But I think the team takes risks when necessary. We have a lot of quality to set up different plays. It varies a lot depending on the game. We have full-backs who push forward, we have quality strikers, so there's not just one attacking style.
Gardel Antonio Bezerra Freire – After leaving Flamengo and playing for several mid-table clubs, did you ever imagine returning to the club? And what was it like replacing one of the biggest idols of recent years, Pet?
I have a good relationship with Petkovic. He's always treated me well, and I've always been calm about that. There's never been any kind of rivalry between us. I've always done my job to establish myself and take advantage of the opportunities Professor Andrade was giving me. My focus was on showcasing my football, and I think I did that well.
Amarildo de Almeida Costa – Did you expect your return to be like this?
I didn't imagine it. I'd been following Flamengo from the outside, and as the Brazilian champions, I thought it would be difficult. Flamengo was on the rise, but I ended up returning, and I'm grateful to Andrade and the coaching staff for the opportunity. They gave me confidence, supported me within the club, took me to preseason, and thank God, things started to move forward.
Rubens Claudinei – In the match against Fluminense, where Flamengo was losing 3-1, Andrade took off Pet and put you on. What did you feel when you stepped onto the field and saw the Maracanã packed, especially with Flamengo losing? And what was your reaction at the end of the match when you realized you had made a difference?
I was very happy with that match. It was one of the games that had the biggest impact on me at Flamengo, because we were down 3-1 and came back to win 5-3. I think I did well in that match, and I was very pleased with the result and my good performance. It definitely left a lasting impression on me.
Fabiano – Did it ever make you sad not to be used at Flamengo, especially because you were a homegrown talent?
We get upset, of course, especially because it's a product of our club. You want to move up, you want to do well, so I tried to play well, train hard, and do well on other teams. I think I matured as a man and a player, and that's why I ended up establishing myself this year.
Isabela Souza – When you first played for Flamengo this year, many fans didn't know or remember you. Do you think leaving Flamengo to gain experience was one of the reasons you're playing so well?
I think it helped me a lot. I gained more experience and came back more mature. Regarding not being recognized and even having some distrust, I think that's normal. I returned this year to a team that had been Brazilian champions, with high-level players. But I always trusted my work and knew I would have the opportunity to seize it. My goal now is to continue to perform well throughout the year to help Flamengo.
Marcos Antonio Soares – What do you associate with your increased production and, consequently, the grit you've shown in the field? Is it because you came from the academy?
It helps a lot to be raised in the youth academy, growing up experiencing the club's day-to-day life. Because there's the desire to play well, but also a big difference: that love for the club that you revealed. We remember everything we went through, and that makes a difference when it comes to playing for the first team, seeing the fans at Maracanã... It's a great feeling.
Francismar Calefi Mudesto – Which match did you play for Flamengo that had the biggest impact on you?
I think there were three. The one against Fluminense this year, where we came from behind to win 5-3, the one against Atlético Mineiro in the 2006 Copa do Brasil, when I made a beautiful play down the wing and provided the assist for Jônatas to score, and the one against Macaé this year, when I scored two goals in the same match. They were all special and will definitely stay with me.
Vinícius, who starts in the upcoming match against Caracas, spoke about the team's tactical scheme, his feelings for the club, the responsibility of replacing Petkovic, and much more. Learn a little more about the career of this young prospect who became a reality in 2010. Flapedia, and check out the full chat below:
Fabio Santos de Campos e Silva – Vinícius, is it possible to play with two midfielders in Flamengo's midfield or will the team become too attacking?
I don't see much of a problem with playing like this. Michael and I trained like this last week, we played a lot of time in the final against Botafogo, and I think the team can perform well. I think the important thing is to attack intelligently and want to help the team achieve a result, regardless of the lineup. I'm very happy with the opportunity to return to the starting lineup for this game against Caracas, and we'll go after that qualification.
Carlos Junior – Football is very fast-paced, which facilitates its style of play. Why don't we see players using one-twos during games? It's a simple fundamental that adds a lot of speed to plays, especially through corners. What do you think?
I can help because of my ability to carry the ball quickly, and playing on the wings is easy for me. I was successful in those plays against Botafogo; I created some one-on-one opportunities, and I believe I can contribute in that regard. I try to make as many plays as possible like that. Coach Andrade has already discussed this, about positioning me on the wings, and I'm working on that.
Wendel Henrique do Nascimento Carvalho – Do you consider yourself a versatile player? Wouldn't it be more beneficial for you to play in another position, such as a third midfielder—the same position as Kleberson?
I think I can be considered versatile. I used to play as a midfielder, more centrally, setting up plays, then I also moved into attack, then more widely on the wings... I believe I've been performing well, especially on these wing plays, and I'm available for whatever Coach Andrade needs.
Luiz Claudio Gomes de Freitas – Why doesn't Flamengo shoot so little from outside the box? Is this part of Flamengo's strategy, or is it simply that no one takes any chances?
Our team is technical, moves the ball around a lot, has a high level of skill, and sometimes ends up carrying the ball more than shooting. But I think the team takes risks when necessary. We have a lot of quality to set up different plays. It varies a lot depending on the game. We have full-backs who push forward, we have quality strikers, so there's not just one attacking style.
Gardel Antonio Bezerra Freire – After leaving Flamengo and playing for several mid-table clubs, did you ever imagine returning to the club? And what was it like replacing one of the biggest idols of recent years, Pet?
I have a good relationship with Petkovic. He's always treated me well, and I've always been calm about that. There's never been any kind of rivalry between us. I've always done my job to establish myself and take advantage of the opportunities Professor Andrade was giving me. My focus was on showcasing my football, and I think I did that well.
Amarildo de Almeida Costa – Did you expect your return to be like this?
I didn't imagine it. I'd been following Flamengo from the outside, and as the Brazilian champions, I thought it would be difficult. Flamengo was on the rise, but I ended up returning, and I'm grateful to Andrade and the coaching staff for the opportunity. They gave me confidence, supported me within the club, took me to preseason, and thank God, things started to move forward.
Rubens Claudinei – In the match against Fluminense, where Flamengo was losing 3-1, Andrade took off Pet and put you on. What did you feel when you stepped onto the field and saw the Maracanã packed, especially with Flamengo losing? And what was your reaction at the end of the match when you realized you had made a difference?
I was very happy with that match. It was one of the games that had the biggest impact on me at Flamengo, because we were down 3-1 and came back to win 5-3. I think I did well in that match, and I was very pleased with the result and my good performance. It definitely left a lasting impression on me.
Fabiano – Did it ever make you sad not to be used at Flamengo, especially because you were a homegrown talent?
We get upset, of course, especially because it's a product of our club. You want to move up, you want to do well, so I tried to play well, train hard, and do well on other teams. I think I matured as a man and a player, and that's why I ended up establishing myself this year.
Isabela Souza – When you first played for Flamengo this year, many fans didn't know or remember you. Do you think leaving Flamengo to gain experience was one of the reasons you're playing so well?
I think it helped me a lot. I gained more experience and came back more mature. Regarding not being recognized and even having some distrust, I think that's normal. I returned this year to a team that had been Brazilian champions, with high-level players. But I always trusted my work and knew I would have the opportunity to seize it. My goal now is to continue to perform well throughout the year to help Flamengo.
Marcos Antonio Soares – What do you associate with your increased production and, consequently, the grit you've shown in the field? Is it because you came from the academy?
It helps a lot to be raised in the youth academy, growing up experiencing the club's day-to-day life. Because there's the desire to play well, but also a big difference: that love for the club that you revealed. We remember everything we went through, and that makes a difference when it comes to playing for the first team, seeing the fans at Maracanã... It's a great feeling.
Francismar Calefi Mudesto – Which match did you play for Flamengo that had the biggest impact on you?
I think there were three. The one against Fluminense this year, where we came from behind to win 5-3, the one against Atlético Mineiro in the 2006 Copa do Brasil, when I made a beautiful play down the wing and provided the assist for Jônatas to score, and the one against Macaé this year, when I scored two goals in the same match. They were all special and will definitely stay with me.