Ricardo Abrantes analyzes the preparation of Flamengo/Marinha and the Brazilian Women's Championship
Coach commented on the reinforcements and asked for the support of the Red and Black Nation
By Mariana Sá* - inThe Brazilian Women's Football Championship will begin next Saturday (11) and Flamengo/Marinha is ready to seek its second championship. Leading the red-black team, coach Ricardo Abrantes highlighted the work in the pre-season of Mais Querido, in addition to extolling the importance of the Nation.
Ricardo Abrantes commented and highlighted the club's preparation, which began in early January. "The preseason was very good. The goal was to get to know the new players and get them all ready for the same level. We focused on new attitudes, positioning, and marking for both the new arrivals and the existing players, seeking to improve their playing style. We also observed some players in new positions to strengthen the squad," he said.
The coach took the opportunity to talk about the main qualities of the red-and-black reinforcements, who arrive to help the Mais Querido. "Players from different teams have arrived, with different ways of playing and training. We're molding them to our way of working. Like Flamengo, we can't play by waiting or trying only to counterattack; the fans demand good games and victories," he explained.
He added, analyzing each player individually: "We signed two tall defenders, Renata, who is experienced, and Raiza, who is very fast. We also have Raquel, a short full-back, but with a lot of experience and finishing ability. Nathane is a versatile attacker with good finishing abilities."
In the red-and-black group, only two teams did not participate in the last edition of the Brasileirão. Of the other five, three made it to the semifinals, including Rio Preto, Flamengo's opponent in the final. Two champions are among the eight participants, in addition to São José, which finished runner-up twice.
"We've got a very strong group. We'll need to play a final in every game, overcoming all odds to achieve our goal, which is to win the Brazilian championship for the second time. The first phase will be a championship in itself due to the big clubs and great squads. We need to overcome travel, injuries, and a long schedule," commented the coach.
"We've got a very strong group. We'll need to play a final in every game, overcoming all odds to achieve our goal, which is to win the Brazilian championship for the second time. The first phase will be a championship in itself due to the big clubs and great squads. We need to overcome travel, injuries, and a long schedule," commented the coach.
The Brasileirão has a new format and important changes for 2017. Regarding the change, Ricardo Abrantes said it was very good: "I believe it was positive, because the CBF has been trying to improve women's soccer. We need to support and not criticize. We have an excellent relationship with coordinator Marco Aurélio Cunha, the technical staff and coach Emily Lima. We really hope that women's soccer in Brazil is a success and that it can be reflected in the National Team."
Finally, Ricardo Abrantes praised the fans, who are always a fundamental part of Flamengo. "The Red and Black Nation is our twelfth player, enabling our athletes to double their efforts and continually reach new heights. Together, we will overcome our opponents to become two-time Brazilian champions and pursue the Libertadores and the World Cup," he said.
Finally, Ricardo Abrantes praised the fans, who are always a fundamental part of Flamengo. "The Red and Black Nation is our twelfth player, enabling our athletes to double their efforts and continually reach new heights. Together, we will overcome our opponents to become two-time Brazilian champions and pursue the Libertadores and the World Cup," he said.
Flamengo/Marinha debuts in the Women's Brazilian Championship on Saturday (11) against Vitória (BA), at Barradão, at 16 pm.
*Collaborated under the supervision of Isabela Abirached