Dorival predicts the decision against Palmeiras and highlights the importance of support in the stands
Coach gave a press conference before training this Thursday (25), at Ninho do Urubu
By Flamengo Communication - in
Flamengo continues its preparation for the decisive game against Palmeiras, next Saturday (27), at Maracanã. Before training this Thursday (25), coach Dorival Júnior gave a press conference at Ninho do Urubu and discussed the duel which is fundamental for Rubro-Negro's plans in the Brazilian Championship.
"It represents all our tension, our precaution, and our concern. Everything comes down to this moment, and these 90 minutes will be crucial for Flamengo and our professionals. Our fans' anxiety must be measured and moderated. We will respect Palmeiras' current form in the Brasileirão. Few teams have had such a consistent first half of the season. They recovered, came from the bottom of the table, and now have a points advantage over the second-placed team. We are aware of what this match represents and are preparing very well to play an important game against the league leaders."
The coach also spoke about the relationship he's developing with the players during this time working together. For him, it's crucial that everyone is motivated and competing for a starting spot at a high level.
"When you lead a group, you have to provide equal conditions for everyone to compete. One or two athletes will stand out in this whole process. They gather strength to grow and to have the opportunity to occupy a space in the team. If you can motivate them and show them a path, they may have the opportunity to fill that possible vacancy. That's what we're doing with the whole group. With everyone motivated, the starters will fight to remain on the team, and those seeking a place will work harder. It's the daily precaution of a coaching staff in team sports. We must always motivate so that results come and everyone feels important."
All tickets allocated to the Flamengo fans are sold out for the Flamengo vs. Palmeiras match. In the press conference, Dorival highlighted the importance and strength that the fans convey when they fill the stands at the Maracanã.
"I hope the expectation remains high and that we have a great show. We will have 60 Flamengo fans inside the Maracanã supporting us, being by our side and encouraging us until the very last moment. We know the importance of our fans. We will face a team that is on an impressive upward trajectory in the competition and deserves our respect."
Check out other topics from the press conference
Sequence against Palmeiras, São Paulo and Botafogo
These three games won't be the only ones. Anything can happen in the seven games that will be crucial and fundamental. We'll be facing teams that are close in points. The team that falters at this stage will hardly recover, with the exception of Palmeiras. We'll try to make as few mistakes as possible at this point, because the results will be crucial for the future of the competition.
Analysis of the work that has been done so far.
It's not just the change. I must praise Mauricio's work, he laid a great foundation. The players are trusting and believing in what we're trying to convey. We're still working on correcting some important aspects from previous games and we hope we can continue with the performances of the last few matches. It's a series of factors. The players have to believe in what the coach says. I had this week of work to make the most of it and I'm trying to get to know the Flamengo squad as well as possible to contribute in some way.
Thoughts for the decisive game against Palmeiras
Flamengo has an obligation to do its best so that this Saturday we can achieve a great result against the league leaders.
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