Juniors lament absences and defeat
With four matches remaining in the Rio Cup, Fla is seven points behind leaders Vasco.
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
With practically an entire squad missing, Flamengo's youth team couldn't hold its own against Taça Rio leader Vasco, suffering a comeback 3-1 defeat on Saturday afternoon in Curicica. The players and coaching staff lamented the result and the absence of some of the group's key players, such as full-back Galhardo, midfielder Saba, and forward Diego Maurício.
Coach Paulo Henrique analyzed the loss and the absence of these players from his team. He said losing so many players was a determining factor in the negative result.
"We have five professional players, two suspended, one injured, one with the national team, and another with documentation issues. This was a determining factor in the defeat. It's not an excuse, but it clearly has an impact," he said.
Goalkeeper Marcelo Carné, who made some great saves during the match, also lamented the result and the below-par performance of his teammates.
"The team didn't perform well. Of course, we had some absences, but Flamengo always has to go out and win a game like this. Unfortunately, we ended up losing, and now our chances of winning the title are greatly reduced," he noted.
Next Wednesday, Flamengo faces Botafogo at 15 p.m. in Gávea. Vasco, in turn, hosts Olaria. Also in contention is Madureira, who beat Bangu 1-0 on Saturday to move into second place. The Taça Rio champion faces Fluminense, the top team in the Taça Guanabara, in the Carioca final.
Coach Paulo Henrique analyzed the loss and the absence of these players from his team. He said losing so many players was a determining factor in the negative result.
"We have five professional players, two suspended, one injured, one with the national team, and another with documentation issues. This was a determining factor in the defeat. It's not an excuse, but it clearly has an impact," he said.
Goalkeeper Marcelo Carné, who made some great saves during the match, also lamented the result and the below-par performance of his teammates.
"The team didn't perform well. Of course, we had some absences, but Flamengo always has to go out and win a game like this. Unfortunately, we ended up losing, and now our chances of winning the title are greatly reduced," he noted.
Next Wednesday, Flamengo faces Botafogo at 15 p.m. in Gávea. Vasco, in turn, hosts Olaria. Also in contention is Madureira, who beat Bangu 1-0 on Saturday to move into second place. The Taça Rio champion faces Fluminense, the top team in the Taça Guanabara, in the Carioca final.