Flamengo wants to be a leader even underwater
Rain or shine, the red-blacks are ready for the match against Universidad de Chile at Maracanã
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
Rio de Janeiro has been through tough times over the past two days due to the heavy rain that battered the city. Even though they were moved by the plight of those affected by the storm, Flamengo's players tried not to lose focus: working hard to perform well in the decisive Libertadores and State Championship matches. And the first big match of an upcoming marathon is against Universidad de Chile, at home. And, even without knowing yet when the match, which was scheduled for this Wednesday (April 07.04), will take place, everyone already knows what to do when they take the field.
The Chilean team is currently top of the group, but a good result would see Flamengo reclaim the lead in Group 8 of the international competition. Therefore, the team is even more motivated to seek the three points, regardless of rain, location, or match date.
"The players are aware of the responsibility, and this team always grows when required," said coach Andrade.
The red-black manager knows the difficulties of playing on a wet pitch, but emphasizes that his players have enough personality to achieve victory.
"The heavy pitch levels the game down, and that's bad for Flamengo. It changes a lot of the game because we need to use the direct pass more. But we have to be bold. If we make the same mistakes as we did in Chile, we'll have trouble. Our team has to be combative," he observed.
For goalkeeper and captain Bruno, this is a time for concentration. According to him, the group is more than accustomed to decisive matches and won't feel any pressure.
"The defeats we were destined to suffer have already happened. The group is aware of this. We will have decisions that could be fatal, and we will give our lives to respond. I prefer to play responsibly rather than just any game. This group is used to decisive games," he added.
The Chilean team is currently top of the group, but a good result would see Flamengo reclaim the lead in Group 8 of the international competition. Therefore, the team is even more motivated to seek the three points, regardless of rain, location, or match date.
"The players are aware of the responsibility, and this team always grows when required," said coach Andrade.
The red-black manager knows the difficulties of playing on a wet pitch, but emphasizes that his players have enough personality to achieve victory.
"The heavy pitch levels the game down, and that's bad for Flamengo. It changes a lot of the game because we need to use the direct pass more. But we have to be bold. If we make the same mistakes as we did in Chile, we'll have trouble. Our team has to be combative," he observed.
For goalkeeper and captain Bruno, this is a time for concentration. According to him, the group is more than accustomed to decisive matches and won't feel any pressure.
"The defeats we were destined to suffer have already happened. The group is aware of this. We will have decisions that could be fatal, and we will give our lives to respond. I prefer to play responsibly rather than just any game. This group is used to decisive games," he added.