A 3-0 victory over the current Libertadores champion, who is fighting at the top of the Brazilian Championship table, can only be defined in one way: "convincing". That's what Flamengo's coach, Vanderlei Luxemburgo, believes. In a press conference after Saturday's (October 16.10th) match at Engenhão, he admitted that the way the result unfolded may have surprised some people, but not those who followed the work that was done during the week.

\

The Flamengo coach saw a balanced team on the field and praised the way the team performed. According to him, Flamengo went to the Engenhão stadium knowing what they needed to do to achieve the result – and they did it.

\

"The result is surprising because there was some skepticism three rounds ago. It's normal that a victory over the Libertadores champion, in the way it happened, with the team balanced in all sectors, compact and aware of what the opponent could do, was a convincing victory," said the coach, who highlighted the positive effect of the result on the group.

\

"When you win, everything gets better. There's a smile, all of that is good. You stay calm. The team is growing. If we had lost here, the question would be about the relegation zone and everything would be in turmoil. We have to win and keep working," he observed.

\

Luxa reiterated the importance of the players' tactical discipline and preferred not to discuss his individual performance. Since arriving at Gávea, Flamengo has won seven out of nine possible points, but for Luxemburgo, this was only possible thanks to the players.

\

"We played with a clear understanding of Inter's greatness and quality. At no point did we see Lomba being called upon, because we had studied our opponent. That was fundamental. There was no way they could penetrate us. We also scored early, which helped a lot, and with them attacking, it became easier for us. They understand the game. The issue was about adapting. The coach's job is to prepare the team to play, but on the field, they are the ones who win. You give them an understanding of the opponent, but if they aren't ready for it, they can't succeed. The team understood the opponent, we showed them positioning and everything, we helped, but they deserve the credit," he concluded.