Dourado plans how to 'dribble' empty stands against River Plate: "Imposing our rhythm"
Duel against Argentine team will be played this Wednesday (28); squad will remain concentrated at CT
By Matheus Oliveira - in
Just over a day remains until the red-and-black team's debut in the CONMEBOL Libertadores. Having completed preparations for the match against River Plate of Argentina, Henrique Dourado appeared at the Victorino Chermont Press Room at Ninho do Urubu to give a press conference. As expected, the match was the main topic of questioning.
Initially, the center forward outlined his expectations for the crucial match. Despite the lack of fans in the stands, a fact lamented by Dourado, "Mais Querido" will seek to make the most of home advantage in other ways.
"Imposing our own rhythm, what we've been working on. That's what will ensure our home advantage prevails. Remembering that we need to be patient. We'll need to remain calm and value possession so we can come away with the victory," he commented, also addressing the absence of the fans. "It will be different because we won't have the support of our fans. But, as I made clear, I believe every fan will be at home sending us positive energy, and we'll do everything we can to secure the victory," he emphasized.
The number 19 spoke about the importance of the competition for Flamengo's season, emphasizing that it is the most important goal. "This is Flamengo's main objective for the season. We know the responsibility each player has and carries with them. We understand that we have a new squad, with some changes compared to last year. We need to continue with this same focus on the goal and try to debut well," he said.
In the last match, played in Cuiabá-MT against Fluminense for the Rio Cup, Paulo César Carpegiani's team saw their first adverse result in 2018. Dourado, however, ruled out the influence of the defeat suffered in the classic in relation to the duel this Wednesday (28), which will be played at the Nilton Santos stadium.
"From what I've seen, Paulo was very clear. It doesn't affect the work we've been doing here in any way. Our main goal is the Libertadores, and we're going to start strong and with positive thoughts. Forget what happened in the last few games. It's a new life, and we'll try not to let these extra things influence our daily lives," he emphasized.
The match will start rolling at 21:45 pm.
Check out Henrique Dourado's press conference in full: