Andrade's only doubt
Vinícius Pacheco and Pet fight for the last spot in the team for this Sunday's game
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
Without any mysteries, coach Andrade already has in mind the core of the team that will face Vasco on Sunday (March 14.03), at 19:30 pm, at Maracanã. The coach's only doubt is in the playmaking: the experience of Petkovic or the youth of Vinicius Pacheco. Both players underwent physical training this Friday and are hoping to be used by the coach.
On one side, Petkovic, who has already played seven games against Vasco and scored five goals – two of them unforgettable, in the 2001 Campeonato Carioca final, and the other from a corner kick, in the 4-0 rout in the 2000 Campeonato Brasileiro. Having been consecrated against the team from São Januário, he still doesn't know if he'll have the chance to play again, but he hopes to help in any way he can.
"If I'm going to play, I'll do my best to help Flamengo win. I remember the games against Vasco fondly. I'm a professional player and I'm here to do my best for Flamengo," said the Serbian.
Vinícius Pacheco, meanwhile, has never played in the Clásico for the first team. Eager for his debut, the player knows the responsibility of delivering a strong performance against the rival from São Januário.
"It's my first time, and of course, I'm feeling a bit anxious. It's a different game, and I hope to repeat what I've done in the last few matches. So, we'll try to leave the field with the victory," he said.
Andrade hasn't yet chosen his favorite for this match, but he knows what to expect from each of the players.
"I have two players for one position. I have Vinícius Pacheco and Pet, but I haven't decided how to start this game yet. I'll decide by tomorrow. One is younger and more dynamic, and the other is more experienced. It's a question any coach would like to have," he explained.
On one side, Petkovic, who has already played seven games against Vasco and scored five goals – two of them unforgettable, in the 2001 Campeonato Carioca final, and the other from a corner kick, in the 4-0 rout in the 2000 Campeonato Brasileiro. Having been consecrated against the team from São Januário, he still doesn't know if he'll have the chance to play again, but he hopes to help in any way he can.
"If I'm going to play, I'll do my best to help Flamengo win. I remember the games against Vasco fondly. I'm a professional player and I'm here to do my best for Flamengo," said the Serbian.
Vinícius Pacheco, meanwhile, has never played in the Clásico for the first team. Eager for his debut, the player knows the responsibility of delivering a strong performance against the rival from São Januário.
"It's my first time, and of course, I'm feeling a bit anxious. It's a different game, and I hope to repeat what I've done in the last few matches. So, we'll try to leave the field with the victory," he said.
Andrade hasn't yet chosen his favorite for this match, but he knows what to expect from each of the players.
"I have two players for one position. I have Vinícius Pacheco and Pet, but I haven't decided how to start this game yet. I'll decide by tomorrow. One is younger and more dynamic, and the other is more experienced. It's a question any coach would like to have," he explained.