Barbieri wants to take Cruzeiro out of their comfort zone to secure qualification
Coach gave a press conference at Ninho do Urubu
By Flamengo Communication - in
Flamengo has completed its preparations for the decisive match against Cruzeiro in the CONMEBOL Libertadores. On Tuesday morning, coach Maurício Barbieri held a press conference at Ninho do Urubu before training, which precedes the trip to Belo Horizonte. Barbieri acknowledged the opponent's advantage, but believes that by taking the Minas Gerais team out of its comfort zone, it will be possible to qualify.
"Cruzeiro is a mature team, playing a very confident and even pragmatic game. They're a team that plays by the rules. They have a great coach, and we have to be prepared for any surprises. They're used to playing based on results. We have to take them out of their comfort zone so they don't have that result again and we can pursue qualification."
"There's no point thinking we'll make major changes on the eve of the game. It's the details that make the difference. We're facing a negative result, but we need to create chances, look for opportunities, and when they arise, we'll finish. Cruzeiro capitalized on their opportunities in the first game, but we didn't. Tomorrow we want the opposite to happen: to get the result and qualify," concluded the red-and-black manager.
The coach did not confirm the starting lineup for the decisive match, but praised the fact that he could count on midfielder Lucas Paquetá, who did not play in the first match due to suspension.
"These changes are based on current circumstances. We know Cruzeiro well, and they know us. We didn't have Paquetá in the previous game, and now we do. This is important given his importance to the team. We'll wait for the evaluations and today's training session to choose the best team."
Everton Ribeiro has been playing excellent matches and has been decisive in crucial moments, such as the Copa do Brasil qualifying match against Grêmio. Barbieri commented on the number 7's form and highlighted that he could be a deciding factor in Wednesday's match.
"Everton is undoubtedly in a very good moment. He has the ability to unbalance the game. He has a history in Minas Gerais, which is certainly motivating for him to seek results. He has everything he needs to help us a lot and be a factor in the game."