Kleberson bets on tradition to move forward
Midfielder remembers that Flamengo always grows in decisive moments and is confident of victory against "La U"
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
Supported by his family during training this Monday, called up to play in his second World Cup with the Brazilian national team and enjoying a great run of form at Flamengo, this is Kleberson's mood on the eve of the decisive match between Flamengo and Universidad de Chile on Thursday in Santiago. The number 15 sees this as a special moment and is banking on the Gávea team's tradition of excelling in decisive moments to advance in the Libertadores.
Flamengo needs to beat "La U" by two goals, or by one goal with a minimum score of 4-3, to secure a place in the Libertadores semi-finals and Kleberson believes this is the biggest game of his career in the red-black shirt.
"Flamengo thrives at the crucial moment, and we hope to see that happen again on Thursday. It's the most important game of my career here at the club. This group is a winner, we've already shown that, and we need to prove it again against Universidad de Chile," he said.
The player believes that not only the quality of the group, but also the club's tradition can make the difference in this series against the Chileans.
"The group is strong, with very high-quality players, and everyone here is a strong supporter of Flamengo. We treat this jersey as the only one we'll ever wear, and we'll try to surprise their team there. The best part about playing here is that when it matters, we can handle it," said the midfielder, promising to give it our all to secure qualification.
"I'm focused on the game. We know we won't face just any team, but we have the ability to turn this game around. We'll have to give something extra. We know it's difficult, but not impossible, and I believe in a good game and our qualification. We're confident. We'll try to put on the field what we've been working on every day," he concluded.
Flamengo needs to beat "La U" by two goals, or by one goal with a minimum score of 4-3, to secure a place in the Libertadores semi-finals and Kleberson believes this is the biggest game of his career in the red-black shirt.
"Flamengo thrives at the crucial moment, and we hope to see that happen again on Thursday. It's the most important game of my career here at the club. This group is a winner, we've already shown that, and we need to prove it again against Universidad de Chile," he said.
The player believes that not only the quality of the group, but also the club's tradition can make the difference in this series against the Chileans.
"The group is strong, with very high-quality players, and everyone here is a strong supporter of Flamengo. We treat this jersey as the only one we'll ever wear, and we'll try to surprise their team there. The best part about playing here is that when it matters, we can handle it," said the midfielder, promising to give it our all to secure qualification.
"I'm focused on the game. We know we won't face just any team, but we have the ability to turn this game around. We'll have to give something extra. We know it's difficult, but not impossible, and I believe in a good game and our qualification. We're confident. We'll try to put on the field what we've been working on every day," he concluded.