Diego Alves: "Most exciting game of my life"
The goalkeeper was one of the leaders on the field and encouraged the Mais Querido from start to finish.
By Mariana Sa - in"Come on, we're going to tie it up," Diego Alves shouted to every defensive player after Fluminense scored their third goal at Maracanã. From the start, the goalkeeper talked, encouraged, and led the red-and-black team to an incredible comeback. Between difficult saves and the experience of a great player, Diego showed he understood exactly what Flamengo is all about.
After the final whistle, the number 1 stopped in the mixed zone, on Wednesday night (1), and spoke to the press about the team's moment, the fans' support and the importance of this match in his career.
"I've felt good here since day one. Everyone has welcomed me warmly, and I feel at home. Regardless of the weather, each player has their own personality and style of play. I'm the person everyone can see on the field. I like to always communicate and instill confidence. We have a privileged view of the match, so we need to be very close to the players and encourage them in the best way possible," explained Diego Alves.
The goalkeeper also praised the level of play at Maracanã and discussed the goals conceded. "Fluminense played one of the best derbies of the season. We managed to draw with grit and sweat; we knew we had no choice but to attack. We conceded two goals from set pieces, and of course, this needs to be addressed and discussed internally to prevent it from happening again. Sometimes a set piece can decide a game, as was the case for us," he analyzed.
Diego took the opportunity to praise the unity between the team and the red-black fans, a factor that made the difference in the classification.
The goalkeeper also praised the level of play at Maracanã and discussed the goals conceded. "Fluminense played one of the best derbies of the season. We managed to draw with grit and sweat; we knew we had no choice but to attack. We conceded two goals from set pieces, and of course, this needs to be addressed and discussed internally to prevent it from happening again. Sometimes a set piece can decide a game, as was the case for us," he analyzed.
Diego took the opportunity to praise the unity between the team and the red-black fans, a factor that made the difference in the classification.
"Regardless of past failures, we're at a point where we need this unity with the fans. They were an extra player today, and I was sure that if we scored the second goal, the Nation would carry us to the third. In the end, that's what happened. We need to join forces, and just like in these two CONMEBOL South American matches, the fans supported us and will recognize the effort made on the field, continuing this unity with us," said the number 1.
Concluding the interviews, the player was asked if this was the most exciting match since joining Flamengo. "I don't know if it was my most exciting game for Flamengo alone or in my entire life. I've played in knockout matches like this, but overturning a 3-1 deficit doesn't happen every day. That's why we have to appreciate what we did on the field," he concluded.
In the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo returns to the field against Grêmio on Sunday (5), at 17 pm, at Arena do Grêmio.
Concluding the interviews, the player was asked if this was the most exciting match since joining Flamengo. "I don't know if it was my most exciting game for Flamengo alone or in my entire life. I've played in knockout matches like this, but overturning a 3-1 deficit doesn't happen every day. That's why we have to appreciate what we did on the field," he concluded.
In the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo returns to the field against Grêmio on Sunday (5), at 17 pm, at Arena do Grêmio.