Preparations for the Campeonato Carioca semifinal continue at Ninho do Urubu. This Monday (26), tactical activity marked the training day aiming at the classic against Botafogo, which had its venue defined over the weekend and will be played at Maracanã. In a press conference at the end of the activity, Diego commented on the choice.
"It's always wonderful to play at Maracanã. I'd like to take this opportunity to call on our fans to support us, because they make all the difference. Even though the pitch is, inexplicably, in terrible condition, it's never an excuse. We'll go out there to win and we'll take advantage of the atmosphere at Maracanã to do so," he projected.
At the start of this season, decisive clashes are becoming increasingly important. Even with the Guanabara Cup win, a spot in the Campeonato Carioca final will be decided in a derby against Botafogo. In matches of this magnitude, the Mais Querido's performances have been strong, especially in 2018, something the midfielder credits to the team spirit of the squad.
"I owe this dedication entirely to my team. Regardless of the games, we approach them with seriousness and objectivity. The derby itself already brings that, and I approach it that way. Every game is an opportunity to wear this jersey, something that is a pleasure. The team will be focused and this dedication will not be lacking," said the number 10.
With high levels of pressure, wearing the Sacred Mantle is an arduous task, but immensely pleasurable, according to Diego. Regarding the constant pressure for results and the supposed favoritism in this Wednesday's clash (28), the midfielder highlighted the unpredictable aspect of football matches, and especially classics.
"I feel like we have an obligation to win. When we win, we don't have much right to celebrate," the star analyzed. "But regardless of whether we're favorites or not, when we step onto the field, that's no longer the case. It's eleven against eleven. The difficulties that other teams face also exist for us," he added.
For the match, Rubro-Negro will have the advantage of a draw due to having had the better record during both rounds of the competition. The number 10 emphasizes that it will be necessary to be smart, but not to give up the team's attacking prowess and go in search of victory.
"The advantage of a draw in the derby is considerable, and now it's on our side. We have to be smart and we know the responsibility we have to qualify," he analyzed.
See other excerpts from Diego's press conference:
Golden Phase
Honestly, I don't see him feeling down. Quite the opposite. He's always one of the first to arrive and last to leave training. He has the complete trust of the squad. We know the pressure on a striker is always greater when goals aren't coming, especially against Flamengo, but we have complete confidence in him.
Formation adopted by Carpegiani
It's a system that demands a lot from everyone. We're aware of what we have to do on the field. The most important thing is to use each player's strengths for the benefit of the team. But of course, we have to train and evolve to create an automatic process, both with and without the ball.
Return of Guerrero
He's very happy. We can imagine how difficult it is not being able to do what he loves even though he's physically able to do it. He's been dedicated and worked hard.
Last Fla-Flu
We analyzed the game, and it's clear that something could have been done differently, as we didn't achieve our objective, but it wasn't a completely bad performance. What we've been practicing is creating increasingly sharp options, so that the opponent increasingly senses the danger. It's something we've been improving, and we'll certainly become more efficient up front.
Decisive performances
I feel this responsibility. Not because it's me, Diego, but because it's a position I've earned, which generates expectations. The fans demand it from those they know can deliver. So far, I've been decisive at times this season. You won't always score in the 40th minute, but there are many ways to be decisive, with passes and effective playmaking.
