Flamengo holds a collective training session thinking about Botafogo
Andrade expresses the same doubt as in the duel against Vasco: Petkovic or Vinícius Pacheco?
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
"The doubts always remain. I haven't decided on the lineup yet. I'll only do that on game day." That was the answer given by coach Andrade when asked who would start in the playmaking for the classic against Botafogo, on Sunday (21.03), at Engenhão. Petkovic and Vinícius Pacheco are fighting for the position, and the coach, who usually keeps his team secret, should only reveal who will start moments before the ball rolls.
On Friday (19.03), Andrade led the final training session before the derby. Without Vagner Love, who was released after feeling pain in his left foot, he started the team with Pet and Pacheco. The latter played further forward, alongside Adriano. On the wings, without Juan, who was suspended, and Leo Moura, who was injured, Rodrigo Alvim and Everton Silva played.
"These are important absences. Players like Juan and Leo, who have been here for a long time, are sorely missed, but I have confidence in the players who are coming in. Alvim has been playing as a defensive midfielder, but he has instilled a lot of confidence. He arrived at the club in good physical shape and has international experience. We have a strong group, and whoever comes in wants to show their football," Andrade explained.
For the past five years, since the Leonardo Moura and Juan duo was formed, these players have been fundamental in the schemes of every coach who has worked at Gávea. With Andrade, however, there's no longer a reliance on the wings.
"In the past, the team relied heavily on their creative play. Today, we have Vinícius, Pet, and two attackers who create chances. This gives us greater variation. We also have other options in the game. The team is no longer so dependent on them," he analyzed.
Flamengo's team should take to the field on Sunday with Bruno, Everton Silva, Alvaro, Fabrício and Rodrigo Alvim; Toró, Willians, Kleberson and Vinícius Pacheco (Petkovic); Vagner Love and Adriano.
On Friday (19.03), Andrade led the final training session before the derby. Without Vagner Love, who was released after feeling pain in his left foot, he started the team with Pet and Pacheco. The latter played further forward, alongside Adriano. On the wings, without Juan, who was suspended, and Leo Moura, who was injured, Rodrigo Alvim and Everton Silva played.
"These are important absences. Players like Juan and Leo, who have been here for a long time, are sorely missed, but I have confidence in the players who are coming in. Alvim has been playing as a defensive midfielder, but he has instilled a lot of confidence. He arrived at the club in good physical shape and has international experience. We have a strong group, and whoever comes in wants to show their football," Andrade explained.
For the past five years, since the Leonardo Moura and Juan duo was formed, these players have been fundamental in the schemes of every coach who has worked at Gávea. With Andrade, however, there's no longer a reliance on the wings.
"In the past, the team relied heavily on their creative play. Today, we have Vinícius, Pet, and two attackers who create chances. This gives us greater variation. We also have other options in the game. The team is no longer so dependent on them," he analyzed.
Flamengo's team should take to the field on Sunday with Bruno, Everton Silva, Alvaro, Fabrício and Rodrigo Alvim; Toró, Willians, Kleberson and Vinícius Pacheco (Petkovic); Vagner Love and Adriano.