Coach Reinaldo Rueda gave a press conference after the 2-0 defeat to Botafogo, this Sunday, at Engenhão, in the 23rd round of the 2017 Brasileirão. Turning the key to Wednesday's game, against Chapecoense, at Arena Condá, for the Conmebol South American, the red-black commander analyzed this Sunday's defeat as a match of different times and explained the team's lineup, modified in relation to the draw against Cruzeiro in the first final of the Copa do Brasil.
"The lineup wasn't meant to prioritize the South American and Copa do Brasil. It was meant to include some players who haven't been playing regularly, but that comes at a price. Unfortunately, we weren't effective in the first half. It was a game of two different halves, and we didn't finish in the first half when we had control of the game. Then, Botafogo showed their strength. They're a team with a lot of commitment, very strong on set pieces. And they came out very well on the counterattack. That's where they decided the game. We have to lift our heads and get the job done for Wednesday against Chapecoense," he analyzed.
Check out Reinaldo Rueda's other statements:
"The lineup wasn't meant to prioritize the South American and Copa do Brasil. It was meant to include some players who haven't been playing regularly, but that comes at a price. Unfortunately, we weren't effective in the first half. It was a game of two different halves, and we didn't finish in the first half when we had control of the game. Then, Botafogo showed their strength. They're a team with a lot of commitment, very strong on set pieces. And they came out very well on the counterattack. That's where they decided the game. We have to lift our heads and get the job done for Wednesday against Chapecoense," he analyzed.
Check out Reinaldo Rueda's other statements:
Escalation
Botafogo didn't play this week. We played Cruzeiro. The idea is to rotate players to perform well in the South American Cup and the Copa do Brasil final. We have to be aware that the next game on Wednesday against Chapecoense is also difficult. Several of the starters played today to maintain their rhythm, as did others who were on the bench. The result is Botafogo's merit, especially in the second half.
First defeat
We never want to lose. We have to be sore losers, for everything Flamengo means, for the rivalry, for the derby. But I had confidence in the team that took the field. The first half ended with us controlling the game well, but we lacked finishing. We have to accept this defeat and recognize that we were up against a formidable rival.
Paolo Guerrero
I didn't think Guerrero was alone in attack. Perhaps it was a lack of decisiveness, decisiveness in the final 20 meters, or insecurity in finishing; we always wanted to shoot from close range. We lacked boldness and offensive aggressiveness to play on the opponent's goal. Geuvânio had a chance, Everton Ribeiro had one, Matheus Savio tried, but I don't think it was a matter of attacking follow-through, but rather of decision-making.
Botafogo's first goal
We made a mistake on the set piece for the goal. Igor took over from Cuéllar, but I don't think it's a matter of height or body type, but rather a matter of decision-making and concentration. In the previous game, Igor Rabello had a chance, but Roger couldn't finish.
Chance to climb the table
The results were in our favor, and we had to take advantage to regain our position in the table, but that's football. In the first half, we had poor control, lacking in impact, and then we were surprised on set pieces. We'll prepare for our game next Wednesday. We'll play on a very difficult pitch; they (Chapecoense) are strong at home, and they'll try to take advantage of this to get a good result.