The mysteries of Andrade
Coach has yet to confirm lineup for Sunday's final against Botafogo
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
"Williams plays on Sunday, but I still don't know who will play. I might even field two midfielders. It's a more remote possibility, but I'll think about it too." It was with this statement that coach Andrade responded to questions about Flamengo's lineup for the Taça Rio final on Sunday (18.04) against Botafogo.
While the coach has already confirmed David in place of the injured Álvaro and Rodrigo Alvim in place of the suspended Juan, the midfield is still a question mark. Michael has recovered from a thigh injury and should be available, Willians didn't train on Friday but could play, and Vinícius Pacheco, who put in a good training session, is also in contention.
"We still don't know how the team will be lined up. Willians is fine and should play, despite not having trained today. We'll see how Andrade will line up the team. But what's certain is that, regardless of who plays, the team will be highly motivated to get the win," said midfielder Toró.
The midfield that trained as a starter last Friday consisted of Maldonado, Toró, Michael, and Vinícius Pacheco. Willians, experiencing pain in his right ankle, underwent recovery work. For Pacheco, Flamengo's leading assist maker this season with 10, it's possible to play with two creative players in the middle.
"I think it's possible to play with two midfielders. I trained well alongside Michael, we moved around, and we'll see what Andrade decides," he analyzed.
While there are still doubts in midfield, in attack there's certainty that the Império do Amor will once again be the team's great hope for goals. Adriano returns to the team, and Vagner Love is motivated to further increase his scoring numbers.
"For the midfielder, it's always easier to have an attacking duo like Love and Adriano. The Emperor is a reference point in the box, a player with great physical strength, and Love always moves around a lot, gives options, and that helps our work a lot," added Vinícius Pacheco.
While the coach has already confirmed David in place of the injured Álvaro and Rodrigo Alvim in place of the suspended Juan, the midfield is still a question mark. Michael has recovered from a thigh injury and should be available, Willians didn't train on Friday but could play, and Vinícius Pacheco, who put in a good training session, is also in contention.
"We still don't know how the team will be lined up. Willians is fine and should play, despite not having trained today. We'll see how Andrade will line up the team. But what's certain is that, regardless of who plays, the team will be highly motivated to get the win," said midfielder Toró.
The midfield that trained as a starter last Friday consisted of Maldonado, Toró, Michael, and Vinícius Pacheco. Willians, experiencing pain in his right ankle, underwent recovery work. For Pacheco, Flamengo's leading assist maker this season with 10, it's possible to play with two creative players in the middle.
"I think it's possible to play with two midfielders. I trained well alongside Michael, we moved around, and we'll see what Andrade decides," he analyzed.
While there are still doubts in midfield, in attack there's certainty that the Império do Amor will once again be the team's great hope for goals. Adriano returns to the team, and Vagner Love is motivated to further increase his scoring numbers.
"For the midfielder, it's always easier to have an attacking duo like Love and Adriano. The Emperor is a reference point in the box, a player with great physical strength, and Love always moves around a lot, gives options, and that helps our work a lot," added Vinícius Pacheco.