"We still need more balance"
Maldonado believes the team is on the right track to reach its best level.
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
Flamengo's 2009 Brazilian Championship triumph is unforgettable for the red-and-black fans. Perhaps accustomed to the great performances in the final stretch of the sixth-title campaign, the nation wants the team to repeat its strong performance at the start of the year. For midfielder Maldonado, this is more than normal, and the team is on the right track.
In the coming days, the team will face crucial matches, including the final stretch of the Copa Libertadores group stage and the Taça Rio semifinal, where the team needs a victory to continue dreaming of a fourth Rio championship. To achieve the results he desires, the Chilean believes Flamengo still needs to improve.
"Our team isn't where it was last year yet. We haven't found the balance we had in the Brazilian league yet, but we're getting there little by little. The defense is already better aligned, and now we need to focus a little more on the offense. This will be a big improvement for the final stretch that begins now," he said.
Fully recovered from a serious knee injury that kept him out for four months, Maldonado hopes to continue performing well to return to the starting lineup for Flamengo and the Chilean national team.
"I'll be showing everything I can do. We know the responsibility. It's a Flamengo game and everyone wants to show their work. I'm ready, I've already played 90 minutes and I hope to do well again. I want to start playing and stay on the field as long as I can," he added.
In the coming days, the team will face crucial matches, including the final stretch of the Copa Libertadores group stage and the Taça Rio semifinal, where the team needs a victory to continue dreaming of a fourth Rio championship. To achieve the results he desires, the Chilean believes Flamengo still needs to improve.
"Our team isn't where it was last year yet. We haven't found the balance we had in the Brazilian league yet, but we're getting there little by little. The defense is already better aligned, and now we need to focus a little more on the offense. This will be a big improvement for the final stretch that begins now," he said.
Fully recovered from a serious knee injury that kept him out for four months, Maldonado hopes to continue performing well to return to the starting lineup for Flamengo and the Chilean national team.
"I'll be showing everything I can do. We know the responsibility. It's a Flamengo game and everyone wants to show their work. I'm ready, I've already played 90 minutes and I hope to do well again. I want to start playing and stay on the field as long as I can," he added.