Flamengo ready to 'decide' the first half of the year
Motivated, the red-and-black squad promises a lot of grit in the battles ahead.
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
Flamengo's squad is already starting to feel the air of a decision. The week, which began with a training session on Monday, has strong emotions in store for fans. On Wednesday (April 07.04), the red-and-blacks will face Universidad de Chile in the Copa Santander Libertadores, and on Sunday (April 11.04), it's their rival Vasco da Gama's turn in the Taça Rio semifinal.
One of the most experienced players in the squad, defender Alvaro is confident in each player's willingness to achieve good results in the upcoming decisions.
"I feel the group's motivation. We've already talked about it. We have to regain the winning spirit and drive that Flamengo always has. The team thrives in decisive matches. Perhaps we've let that go in some games at the beginning of the year. However, we have to keep the flame of determination burning. If we lost that at some point, we can't let it fade now," he said.
For Toró, who has already won five titles with Flamengo, including the 2009 Brazilian Championship and the 2006 Brazilian Cup, this is the time when the red-black team demonstrates its best football.
"The moment the team wanted most has arrived. These are decisive games, which every player loves to play. The first battle is on Wednesday, and we have to show that we're in good shape. We know that the time when we could play poorly has passed. Andrade has already spoken to us and that's over. We have to be completely focused and always perform well," analyzed the midfielder, paving the way for the club to continue winning many titles.
"We can't make the silly mistakes of conceding and missing goals like we did. Now is the time to redouble our concentration and keep everyone together, because the decisions are about to begin and everyone will certainly be committed. Whoever plays here has to be prepared and no one will be intimidated by that," he added.
Fatigue is another challenge to overcome in the marathon that begins this week. However, Alvaro, on behalf of his teammates, assures that this won't be a problem.
"This week has been in the works for some time now. We've had a break after some crucial games, and now a new phase begins. We've had time to work hard, so there's no concern physically or mentally," the defender concluded.
One of the most experienced players in the squad, defender Alvaro is confident in each player's willingness to achieve good results in the upcoming decisions.
"I feel the group's motivation. We've already talked about it. We have to regain the winning spirit and drive that Flamengo always has. The team thrives in decisive matches. Perhaps we've let that go in some games at the beginning of the year. However, we have to keep the flame of determination burning. If we lost that at some point, we can't let it fade now," he said.
For Toró, who has already won five titles with Flamengo, including the 2009 Brazilian Championship and the 2006 Brazilian Cup, this is the time when the red-black team demonstrates its best football.
"The moment the team wanted most has arrived. These are decisive games, which every player loves to play. The first battle is on Wednesday, and we have to show that we're in good shape. We know that the time when we could play poorly has passed. Andrade has already spoken to us and that's over. We have to be completely focused and always perform well," analyzed the midfielder, paving the way for the club to continue winning many titles.
"We can't make the silly mistakes of conceding and missing goals like we did. Now is the time to redouble our concentration and keep everyone together, because the decisions are about to begin and everyone will certainly be committed. Whoever plays here has to be prepared and no one will be intimidated by that," he added.
Fatigue is another challenge to overcome in the marathon that begins this week. However, Alvaro, on behalf of his teammates, assures that this won't be a problem.
"This week has been in the works for some time now. We've had a break after some crucial games, and now a new phase begins. We've had time to work hard, so there's no concern physically or mentally," the defender concluded.