With Luxa in goal, Flamengo is only thinking about winning the derby.
Motivated and united by the new coaching staff, the Flamengo players are working hard with their sights set on Sunday's game.
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
Concentration on Tuesday, full-day training sessions at the training center, and a lot, a lot of work. A routine that might not appeal to many athletes, but which was readily accepted by the Flamengo team players. Unanimously supported by the group, coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo arrived at the club, got things in order, and already has the support of the players to implement his work philosophy.
Proof of this is that the team has two wins and one draw in three games under the coach's command. An enviable start to the campaign that has already moved the team away from the relegation zone, leaving them dreaming of the Copa Sudamericana and, who knows, even a top-four finish. For midfielder Willians, credit must be given to the coach for this.
"Luxembourg got the team right, and I believe we really needed this different type of leadership. The group rallied behind him, and his experience, his ability to read the game well and tell us what's right and what's wrong, makes all the difference. The team has improved because it's more balanced, both in attack and defense; we're more cohesive," said the number eight, who knows that a spot in the 2011 Libertadores Cup won't come easily.
"Thinking about the top four is wishful thinking. The Copa Sudamericana is our current objective. We managed to get into the group that qualifies for the competition, and if we secure that qualification, I'll be happy. We're on the right track to achieve more victories. We feel lighter, more determined, and more confident," he analyzed.
Confident, he anticipates a complicated Flamengo vs. Vasco match, but is betting on Flamengo's motivation to ensure his team leaves the Engenhão stadium with a victory next weekend.
"A derby is always different, important, even more so in this situation. We're coming off a very good win, they're coming off a loss, so we have to go onto the pitch with the same determination as in the game against Inter. They will be a difficult opponent and we need to gather our strength until the end of the game to get the result. We can't afford to make mistakes," he concluded.
Proof of this is that the team has two wins and one draw in three games under the coach's command. An enviable start to the campaign that has already moved the team away from the relegation zone, leaving them dreaming of the Copa Sudamericana and, who knows, even a top-four finish. For midfielder Willians, credit must be given to the coach for this.
"Luxembourg got the team right, and I believe we really needed this different type of leadership. The group rallied behind him, and his experience, his ability to read the game well and tell us what's right and what's wrong, makes all the difference. The team has improved because it's more balanced, both in attack and defense; we're more cohesive," said the number eight, who knows that a spot in the 2011 Libertadores Cup won't come easily.
"Thinking about the top four is wishful thinking. The Copa Sudamericana is our current objective. We managed to get into the group that qualifies for the competition, and if we secure that qualification, I'll be happy. We're on the right track to achieve more victories. We feel lighter, more determined, and more confident," he analyzed.
Confident, he anticipates a complicated Flamengo vs. Vasco match, but is betting on Flamengo's motivation to ensure his team leaves the Engenhão stadium with a victory next weekend.
"A derby is always different, important, even more so in this situation. We're coming off a very good win, they're coming off a loss, so we have to go onto the pitch with the same determination as in the game against Inter. They will be a difficult opponent and we need to gather our strength until the end of the game to get the result. We can't afford to make mistakes," he concluded.
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