The link of experience in the Flamengo group
Praised as a "tactical player," Maldonado knows his importance to the Flamengo squad.
By From the official website team - in
Maldonado's role in Flamengo's squad goes far beyond stealing the ball and occupying space in midfield. The experienced Chilean midfielder also knows he has the responsibility of being one of coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo's trusted men, both to control the pace of the game and to pass on his experience in the world of football to the younger players.
"I always try to pass on my calmness to my teammates. Sometimes things don't go the way we want or expect, so when things are bad, the more experienced ones have to show the good side," he says.
One of the best passers in the 2010 Brazilian Championship, Maldonado knows his importance in Luxa's tactical scheme. Besides marking, he has to facilitate the build-up play from defense to attack with quality. To do this, he has to make as few mistakes as possible.
"With each game, you try to make fewer mistakes. Our group tried to reduce the percentage of errors, and so did I. This gradually gives you confidence. I try to do that. In the final stretch, it's difficult to make mistakes. So it starts with our work to at least minimize the number of errors," he observes.
Recently, Maldonado's daughter, Victória, was born, a name that perfectly reflects the player's career. A champion wherever he's played, Maldo's resume includes four São Paulo state titles, two Minas Gerais state titles, one Copa do Brasil, two Brazilian championships, and one Chilean championship. And he hopes to add to that collection in 2011 with Flamengo.
"I have a contract for two more years signed and I hope to continue here. My goal is to help Flamengo, compete in all competitions and seek titles. That would be fantastic. I have a lot of faith in Vanderlei for next year. I know he will be hungry to win all competitions. We will have a good plan and the season promises to be tough. So we have to prepare," he concludes.
For Flamengo, Maldonado begins his third season. He arrived at the club in mid-2009 and was considered a key player in their sixth Brazilian championship title. The Chilean has already played 41 matches for Flamengo, scoring one goal.
"I always try to pass on my calmness to my teammates. Sometimes things don't go the way we want or expect, so when things are bad, the more experienced ones have to show the good side," he says.
One of the best passers in the 2010 Brazilian Championship, Maldonado knows his importance in Luxa's tactical scheme. Besides marking, he has to facilitate the build-up play from defense to attack with quality. To do this, he has to make as few mistakes as possible.
"With each game, you try to make fewer mistakes. Our group tried to reduce the percentage of errors, and so did I. This gradually gives you confidence. I try to do that. In the final stretch, it's difficult to make mistakes. So it starts with our work to at least minimize the number of errors," he observes.
Recently, Maldonado's daughter, Victória, was born, a name that perfectly reflects the player's career. A champion wherever he's played, Maldo's resume includes four São Paulo state titles, two Minas Gerais state titles, one Copa do Brasil, two Brazilian championships, and one Chilean championship. And he hopes to add to that collection in 2011 with Flamengo.
"I have a contract for two more years signed and I hope to continue here. My goal is to help Flamengo, compete in all competitions and seek titles. That would be fantastic. I have a lot of faith in Vanderlei for next year. I know he will be hungry to win all competitions. We will have a good plan and the season promises to be tough. So we have to prepare," he concludes.
For Flamengo, Maldonado begins his third season. He arrived at the club in mid-2009 and was considered a key player in their sixth Brazilian championship title. The Chilean has already played 41 matches for Flamengo, scoring one goal.
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