Healthy fight for a spot in Flamengo's midfield
Vinícius Pacheco reveals the good relationship he has with Petkovic
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
Andrade's biggest dilemma this season has been how to line up Flamengo's midfield. Petkovic, one of the heroes of the sixth Brazilian championship title, was the man responsible for creating plays for the Rubro-negro, but after the Flamengo vs. Fluminense match, the homegrown player Vinícius Pacheco took over the position. However, amidst ups and downs, neither has yet managed to secure a place in the starting eleven and always experiences tense moments before games.
As in previous matches, Andrade has not yet announced Flamengo's lineup for the match against América, which will be played this Sunday (March 28.03th) at 16 pm at Engenhão. Therefore, both teams have a chance of starting, but they see the 'fight' as a natural occurrence.
"It's good to have this competition for a spot on the team. It's a healthy rivalry between me and Pet, and we leave the decision in Andrade's hands. I get along great with him, and there's never been any problem because of that," said Vinícius Pacheco.
The young midfielder, who came up through Flamengo's youth system, even received advice from the much more experienced Serbian player.
"I joined Flamengo and Fluminense and was kept on the team. Pet had some problems and, when he returned to training with the squad, he approached me. He praised me, said I was playing well. He also told me to try to maintain my good form, that it was good for me and for the team," revealed Pacheco, who spoke extensively with Andrade before the match against Tigres.
"I spoke with Andrade to better understand what he had asked me to do on the field. Against Botafogo, I came on during the game and ended up not fulfilling what he had asked. Against Tigres, I did exactly what he wanted. The conversation was about that, and it worked out," Pacheco concluded.
And how does the squad feel about this competition? Well, in the opinion of full-back Juan, everyone's intention is to help Andrade's chosen player showcase good football.
"Everyone here is looking for their place. That's what's happening with both of them. They're playing well and always helping the team. Our part is just to help them on the field. Whoever Andrade chooses will have our support," he said.
As in previous matches, Andrade has not yet announced Flamengo's lineup for the match against América, which will be played this Sunday (March 28.03th) at 16 pm at Engenhão. Therefore, both teams have a chance of starting, but they see the 'fight' as a natural occurrence.
"It's good to have this competition for a spot on the team. It's a healthy rivalry between me and Pet, and we leave the decision in Andrade's hands. I get along great with him, and there's never been any problem because of that," said Vinícius Pacheco.
The young midfielder, who came up through Flamengo's youth system, even received advice from the much more experienced Serbian player.
"I joined Flamengo and Fluminense and was kept on the team. Pet had some problems and, when he returned to training with the squad, he approached me. He praised me, said I was playing well. He also told me to try to maintain my good form, that it was good for me and for the team," revealed Pacheco, who spoke extensively with Andrade before the match against Tigres.
"I spoke with Andrade to better understand what he had asked me to do on the field. Against Botafogo, I came on during the game and ended up not fulfilling what he had asked. Against Tigres, I did exactly what he wanted. The conversation was about that, and it worked out," Pacheco concluded.
And how does the squad feel about this competition? Well, in the opinion of full-back Juan, everyone's intention is to help Andrade's chosen player showcase good football.
"Everyone here is looking for their place. That's what's happening with both of them. They're playing well and always helping the team. Our part is just to help them on the field. Whoever Andrade chooses will have our support," he said.