The kind of victory that instills confidence. Against Madureira, the Mais Querido delivered a 4-0 rout in a gala performance at the Nilton Santos stadium. An important result in the second round of the State Championship, especially considering the two important matchups that will follow.
In addition to the clash against Fluminense, this Wednesday's match (21) was also seen as an opportunity to prepare the team for a new and important objective in the season: the Conmebol Libertadores Bridgestone. In a week's time, on the same stage, it will be time to face River Plate.
Without Cuéllar, Jonas appears to be the frontrunner to fill the position at the front of the defense. Carpegiani commented on this healthy competition and the decision he will need to make. "Regarding the midfield, the confidence is complete, and the performance has been satisfactory. Cuéllar has performed well in the seven or eight games he's played. He was playing a slightly different role last year. Jonas came in well. I don't need to make any comparisons because they are players with different characteristics. My concern is tactically. We need to tighten up. Today we even relaxed our marking a bit compared to the opponent due to the low demands, as we scored an early goal. Overall, I liked it. I think next Wednesday, the trend is to show a more competitive team," he analyzed.
Efficiency will be the key to achieving good results in upcoming matches. Despite the high-level performance, which delighted the red-and-black fans in attendance, results remain the manager's top priority.
"I'm not concerned about flashy football. When you have an organized team, with sharp technique, it's natural for that to happen. It's a high-level team, but some things still need to improve. We have to find progress, and only the sequence of games will give us that. Playing in the Libertadores next Wednesday will be our biggest test," said Carpegiani.
"It's important that we always win. Win and convince. The demands of a Libertadores Cup will be greater, as will our responsibility. We have a technical and creative team. We may have a little more difficulty, but I guarantee our opponent will too. I liked the fact that we were quite aggressive from the beginning, creating several opportunities. Overall, we still lack a few things," he emphasized.
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Team for Fla-Flu
See other excerpts:
Team for Fla-Flu
Every time we step onto the field, we have to prove ourselves. There's no such thing as a winning game, and neither is Diego (Alves). I'm taking him to the next game; he'll play. I'm taking Juan, since he also needs to play. We'll put together a team for the derby, and I'll leave almost the entire team that played here.
Jonas's Work
I took it off because Jonas choked. It went very well. I'm very well defined, very calm. I just need to adjust that middle a bit. The pressure on the opponent will be a little greater.
I took it off because Jonas choked. It went very well. I'm very well defined, very calm. I just need to adjust that middle a bit. The pressure on the opponent will be a little greater.
Demand in the Libertadores
The concern I have here is everyone's: River, Santa Fé, Emelec... There's no such thing as a perfect team. I'm not building an unbeatable team. We know we're facing challenges. I'm trying to field my best players and demanding accountability. They have the football skills. We need to be intense. When results come naturally, it's natural to relax. There won't be that in the Libertadores, either way.
The concern I have here is everyone's: River, Santa Fé, Emelec... There's no such thing as a perfect team. I'm not building an unbeatable team. We know we're facing challenges. I'm trying to field my best players and demanding accountability. They have the football skills. We need to be intense. When results come naturally, it's natural to relax. There won't be that in the Libertadores, either way.