Mauricio Barbieri celebrates positive result in the Brazilian Championship and predicts the decision against Corinthians
Coach praised Trauco's performance, who after being out of the team returned and helped with two assists
By Flamengo Communication - in
Undefeated in three matches, Flamengo achieved another important result in the title race this Sunday afternoon. With nearly 40 fans at Maracanã, Flamengo defeated Atlético-MG 2-1, with goals from Willian Arão and Lucas Paquetá. After the match, coach Mauricio Barbieri held a press conference and spoke about the victory that put Mengão just three points behind the leader.
"It was a very important victory against an extremely qualified opponent. Congratulations to Atlético's coach. He has a team that knows how to play with very high-quality players. We knew it would be a tough game, and the numbers prove it; they were the team with the most goals in the championship. We have things to adjust and improve when we get a result and when we don't. The way forward is to remain humble, calm, and focused. In my opinion, the Brazilian Championship is the most difficult and balanced championship in the world," stated the red-and-black coach.
After a long period out of the starting lineup, Barbieri introduced Miguel Trauco to the starting eleven, and the full-back delivered a stunning performance with two assists. First, he passed to Arão to open the scoring, and in the second half, he crossed for Paquetá, who sealed the match. The Flamengo manager also commented on the Peruvian full-back's performance.
"Trauco is a great player. He hasn't been getting many opportunities, but he's been training very well and dedicatedly. He's a national team and World Cup player. He performed very well today, and that's important for him, as he's been getting few opportunities, and of course, that bothers any player. He had a good match."
Sunday's victory was crucial for Flamengo's hopes in the Brazilian Championship, but midweek they already face Corinthians in the Copa do Brasil. Barbieri previewed the match without revealing any clues about the team that will take the field.
"We have several options for Wednesday. After leaving here, I'll analyze Corinthians and focus on the opponent. Once the players recover, I'll be able to choose who will start. But remember, the choices will always be made based on what's best for the team."
Diego is important and crucial. We're happy to have him on Wednesday. I won't reveal the lineup, but we need to analyze the factors and circumstances to make a decision. We'll analyze Corinthians and then choose the best team for Wednesday," the coach concluded.
The Mais Querido returns to the field next Wednesday (26), when it decides the place in the final of the Copa do Brasil against Corinthians, at 21:45 pm, at Arena Corinthians.
Watch coach Mauricio Barbieri's press conference in full: