Dorival Júnior analyzes the first training sessions at the training center and plans the match against Corinthians.
Coach gave a press conference on the eve of the match against the São Paulo team
By John Peter Granette - in
Flamengo finished its preparation for the game against Corinthians on Thursday morning (4). The match will be valid for the 28th round of the Brazilian Championship and Rubro-Negro will be looking for three more points to continue in the fight for the title and get closer to the leaders.
Before the start of the activity that took place at Ninho do Urubu, coach Dorival Júnior gave a press conference and classified the match in Itaquera as a decision for Flamengo's objectives in the competition.
"We had three training sessions. We intensified some important aspects and used repetition in training. I hope we have as few absences as possible for such an important and decisive match. Each round will be a decisive one for us so we can get closer to the leaders."
"We have a few rounds ahead of us and two teams with four points above us. We'll work to erase that advantage and with that, we'll focus solely and exclusively on the game against Corinthians. We have to try to get closer as soon as possible," he added.
Assisted by Lucas Silvestre, Leonardo Porto and Mauricio Souza, Dorival Júnior worked hard on the offensive side in the first training sessions with the squad and highlighted the importance of being more sharp when infiltrating the opposing defenses.
"All of this was practiced and required a lot of effort from Mauricio. The match season is intense, and there wasn't time to train like we did this week. We had this week, and I was able to do this kind of work. We have to, in addition to having the possession we're having, be sharper and more incisive to break down the opponent's back line."
The red-black coach was asked about Lucas Paquetá and did not spare praise for the number 11. According to Dorival, the Boy from the Nest is an athlete that all coaches would like to have in their squads.
"I think it's natural for a player to fluctuate in a competition as long as the Brazilian Championship. With the Copa do Brasil and Libertadores in between, Paquetá was one of those who played in the vast majority of games and is a great player. Regardless of his position, he has shown quality. He marks well and gets forward well. He's the kind of player every coach likes and seeks for their team."
Check out other answers from the press conference that took place at Ninho do Urubu
First training sessions at the training center
"It's an initial contact. Some aspects need to be accelerated, and that's what we're looking for. I believe the demands of the competition itself mean we have to pay attention to specific aspects. This way, we'll be on the path to getting back closer to the teams that are currently leading."
Fight for the Brazilian Championship title
"I believe that Flamengo's 2018 campaign is what shows us this potential (to be champion). We are intensely searching for a path. The way the team has been performing is close to what I think about football. Mauricio did a great job and left a good foundation for Flamengo."
Relationship with Fernando Uribe
"Uribe was a player I had already recommended to a club I was at. He came to Flamengo and I was already following him. He has a lot of potential. He's still adapting to the club and the city, we have to respect that. We're intensifying some work and I hope to get two or three results soon, to really get going."
Lineup for the game against Corinthians
"I have two options. I have to wait for the courts and the medical department's decision. I didn't have three athletes in yesterday's training session, so I prefer to keep the lineup."
Check out the full interview through the lens of FlaTV