Another marathon for the red-blacks
Flamengo returns to play both in the middle and at the weekend, but the team says it is physically ready.
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
After two weeks of playing only on Wednesdays, Flamengo will now return to playing both midweek and weekend matches. Last Wednesday, the team faced Corinthians in the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores, and next Sunday, they face São Paulo in the Brazilian Championship opener. It's another decisive marathon that's just beginning.
Over the next two weeks, the team will have four games: two against Universidad de Chile in the Libertadores quarterfinals and two in the Brasileirão, against Vitória and Grêmio Prudente. The sequence is crucial, and the players assure they are prepared for the task.
"Now it's time to work. It's different, without a doubt, but the team is fine, they're physically prepared, and I don't think they'll feel the strain. Some players will probably be rested, and we'll try to do well in both the Brazilian Championship and the Libertadores," said defender David.
Petkovic also believes this is a time for sacrifice, but points out the importance of resting one or two players for a few matches. After all, there will be two trips during this period: to Salvador and Santiago.
"It's impossible for a player to last 90 minutes in several decisive games in the middle and at the end of the week. I'm not saying this just because I'm 37. Even a 22-year-old will feel it. Fatigue builds up, and it's important to rotate and give other players chances. We have a strong squad, an intelligent coaching staff, and it's just a matter of common sense," said the Serbian.
Fitness coach Alexandre Sanz believes the team is well prepared for the marathon. According to him, the team demonstrated its vigor in recent Libertadores matches.
"The athletes, besides being prepared, are showing a lot of grit and a strong desire to play and win games. This is very important, because this spirit is within them," he added.
Over the next two weeks, the team will have four games: two against Universidad de Chile in the Libertadores quarterfinals and two in the Brasileirão, against Vitória and Grêmio Prudente. The sequence is crucial, and the players assure they are prepared for the task.
"Now it's time to work. It's different, without a doubt, but the team is fine, they're physically prepared, and I don't think they'll feel the strain. Some players will probably be rested, and we'll try to do well in both the Brazilian Championship and the Libertadores," said defender David.
Petkovic also believes this is a time for sacrifice, but points out the importance of resting one or two players for a few matches. After all, there will be two trips during this period: to Salvador and Santiago.
"It's impossible for a player to last 90 minutes in several decisive games in the middle and at the end of the week. I'm not saying this just because I'm 37. Even a 22-year-old will feel it. Fatigue builds up, and it's important to rotate and give other players chances. We have a strong squad, an intelligent coaching staff, and it's just a matter of common sense," said the Serbian.
Fitness coach Alexandre Sanz believes the team is well prepared for the marathon. According to him, the team demonstrated its vigor in recent Libertadores matches.
"The athletes, besides being prepared, are showing a lot of grit and a strong desire to play and win games. This is very important, because this spirit is within them," he added.