Andrade confirms Pet in the starting lineup against Caracas
Flamengo will take to the field with three attacking men and hopes to surprise their opponents.
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
CARACAS – The formation used by Andrade in the training session held at Gávea, last Monday (08.03), is the one that will take to the field against Caracas, in the second round of the Copa Santander Libertadores, this Wednesday (10.03), at 22 pm (Brasília time). The coach opted to field three forwards (Petkovic, Vinícius Pacheco and Vagner Love) and hopes to surprise away from home.
During Tuesday's training session (March 09.03th) at the University of Caracas Stadium, the match venue, Andrade noted that he will face not only a strong opponent, but also another problem: the pitch. The players felt the pitch was hard, making the ball bounce and run more than usual, and they know they will need to be even more careful against their Venezuelan rival.
"The pitch is really uneven. We know the ball will move faster, and we'll have to adapt. This factor can level the playing field, so we need to stay focused throughout the 90 minutes. Pet will start, but we have three defensive midfielders to keep the team balanced. This will be one of our strengths. Another is that we have a group that understands its responsibilities. For example, in the last Brasileirão game, we won with goals from defenders," explained the Flamengo coach.
When questioned by the Venezuelan press about Rubro-negro's possible favoritism in the match, Andrade made a point of passing the ball to the other side.
"Caracas hasn't lost a Libertadores game at home in a long time. We're not the favorites. We go in knowing this and ready to surprise," said the coach.
Following the coach's lead, left-back Juan tried to better explain what can happen when playing on a pitch like the one at the Olympic Stadium in Caracas.
"We know how to play away from home in a Libertadores. The group is already experienced and has experienced difficult situations over the years. On a field like this, we can't afford to make any mistakes. That could give the opponent a chance, and that's not what we want," said Juan, revealing his expectations for the match.
"A win by any score would be excellent for us. I believe even a draw would be good enough. Our strength lies in our unity. And all the problems that occurred off the field only made us more united, with a greater desire to win. Nothing affected us," concluded the full-back.
Flamengo and Caracas have never faced each other. However, both teams have strong records to follow. While the Venezuelan team is unbeaten in 12 home matches in the Libertadores, Flamengo has never lost to a Venezuelan team in the competition. They've played eight matches and haven't dropped a single point.
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During Tuesday's training session (March 09.03th) at the University of Caracas Stadium, the match venue, Andrade noted that he will face not only a strong opponent, but also another problem: the pitch. The players felt the pitch was hard, making the ball bounce and run more than usual, and they know they will need to be even more careful against their Venezuelan rival.
"The pitch is really uneven. We know the ball will move faster, and we'll have to adapt. This factor can level the playing field, so we need to stay focused throughout the 90 minutes. Pet will start, but we have three defensive midfielders to keep the team balanced. This will be one of our strengths. Another is that we have a group that understands its responsibilities. For example, in the last Brasileirão game, we won with goals from defenders," explained the Flamengo coach.
When questioned by the Venezuelan press about Rubro-negro's possible favoritism in the match, Andrade made a point of passing the ball to the other side.
"Caracas hasn't lost a Libertadores game at home in a long time. We're not the favorites. We go in knowing this and ready to surprise," said the coach.
Following the coach's lead, left-back Juan tried to better explain what can happen when playing on a pitch like the one at the Olympic Stadium in Caracas.
"We know how to play away from home in a Libertadores. The group is already experienced and has experienced difficult situations over the years. On a field like this, we can't afford to make any mistakes. That could give the opponent a chance, and that's not what we want," said Juan, revealing his expectations for the match.
"A win by any score would be excellent for us. I believe even a draw would be good enough. Our strength lies in our unity. And all the problems that occurred off the field only made us more united, with a greater desire to win. Nothing affected us," concluded the full-back.
Flamengo and Caracas have never faced each other. However, both teams have strong records to follow. While the Venezuelan team is unbeaten in 12 home matches in the Libertadores, Flamengo has never lost to a Venezuelan team in the competition. They've played eight matches and haven't dropped a single point.
READ MORE:
Flamengo makes flight attendant's dream come true
Fans' affection strengthens Flamengo on its trip to Caracas
Ferj President bets on Flamengo's victory over Caracas