Trust in dedication and love
Rogério Lourenço trusts Vagner Love and asks midfielders to approach the attack
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
Flamengo will have only one striker in the starting lineup for the match against Palmeiras this Wednesday at Pacaembu Stadium. At 21:50 PM, Vagner Love will have the tough task of battling the Palmeiras defense and overcoming the experienced goalkeeper Marcos, even playing away from home. But the player assures he won't feel the pressure. For coach Rogério Lourenço, the number 9, if well supported by the midfielders, can truly do a great job.
After all, if only Love plays up front, the midfield will have a very attacking formation, with Maldonado, Fernando, Michael, and Petkovic, plus full-backs Leonardo Moura and Juan providing plenty of support. For Rogério, Michael and Petkovic will play a key role in the red-and-black attack.
"In yesterday's training session I worked with both of them taking turns getting further forward, as they are not attackers.
We have Diego Mauricio, who is the only striker on the bench. The important thing is that Love can't be isolated. We need to get closer to them," explained the coach, who knows that with this formation Vagner Love changes his style of play a little.
"It ends up changing Love's characteristics. Sometimes he's on the wing and a play comes out on the other side and there's no one there. These are small details that we're trying to get right," he analyzed.
Regarding the Artilheiro do Amor's feud with the Palmeiras fans, his former club, Rogério believes it is normal for the player to be booed and guarantees that his striker will not be intimidated by it.
"I haven't spoken to Love, but he's an experienced player and these things happen regardless of whether you have a good run or not. I don't see any problem with Love wanting to respond. I know he respects Palmeiras and I honestly don't see a problem with that," he explained.
Petkovic – Petkovic is also regaining confidence within Flamengo. After starting and scoring a beautiful goal against Grêmio, already with a contract extension until 2011, the midfielder was praised by Rogério Lourenço. Despite this, the coach remained cautious when discussing the foreigner.
"I don't think we can give a complete answer about Pet today. As the games go by, he's gaining momentum. In the last game, he played 70 minutes and had a few falls. It's obvious he's not at his best yet, but when the World Cup returns, he should recover, as he's a guy who takes care of himself and always works hard," he concluded.
After all, if only Love plays up front, the midfield will have a very attacking formation, with Maldonado, Fernando, Michael, and Petkovic, plus full-backs Leonardo Moura and Juan providing plenty of support. For Rogério, Michael and Petkovic will play a key role in the red-and-black attack.
"In yesterday's training session I worked with both of them taking turns getting further forward, as they are not attackers.
We have Diego Mauricio, who is the only striker on the bench. The important thing is that Love can't be isolated. We need to get closer to them," explained the coach, who knows that with this formation Vagner Love changes his style of play a little.
"It ends up changing Love's characteristics. Sometimes he's on the wing and a play comes out on the other side and there's no one there. These are small details that we're trying to get right," he analyzed.
Regarding the Artilheiro do Amor's feud with the Palmeiras fans, his former club, Rogério believes it is normal for the player to be booed and guarantees that his striker will not be intimidated by it.
"I haven't spoken to Love, but he's an experienced player and these things happen regardless of whether you have a good run or not. I don't see any problem with Love wanting to respond. I know he respects Palmeiras and I honestly don't see a problem with that," he explained.
Petkovic – Petkovic is also regaining confidence within Flamengo. After starting and scoring a beautiful goal against Grêmio, already with a contract extension until 2011, the midfielder was praised by Rogério Lourenço. Despite this, the coach remained cautious when discussing the foreigner.
"I don't think we can give a complete answer about Pet today. As the games go by, he's gaining momentum. In the last game, he played 70 minutes and had a few falls. It's obvious he's not at his best yet, but when the World Cup returns, he should recover, as he's a guy who takes care of himself and always works hard," he concluded.