For Diego, Flamengo could have won, but a draw is not a bad result.
In his 100th game for Flamengo, the midfielder praises the team and talks about Saturday's match in the Brazilian Championship
By Lucas Dantas - in
After the result against Grêmio in Porto Alegre, Diego was one of the players who made a point of emphasizing that the team was aiming for victory, but the draw, given the circumstances, was not a bad result. On the contrary. The decision will be made in Rio de Janeiro on the 15th, where another draw will lead to a penalty shootout, and whoever wins will take the place in the semi-finals.
In his 100th match for Flamengo, coincidentally against the opponent from his debut in 2016, the number 10 had a standout performance in the team's playmaking, completing 52 passes and finding his teammates in the box with 10 crosses. Diego praised the team's attitude and said that victory could have been achieved, but that he is satisfied with the final result.
"We played a great game and faced a great team, Grêmio, especially in the second half. We played well and scored a goal, which, if it had come a little earlier, could have even turned the game around. We wanted the victory, but the draw, considering that we have the decisive match in Rio, is not a bad result," said the star player, who had four shots on goal against Grêmio.
On Saturday at 16 PM, Flamengo will face the same opponent on the same field. But this time for the Brazilian Championship. This marathon of games is nothing new, and the team knew they would have to go through it even before the World Cup. For Diego, now it's not just technique that will solve the problem, but mental strength as well.
"We have another battle ahead. Now it's time to rest for Saturday's game, which will be very difficult, but we'll be prepared. The team is confident, has been working hard, and is in good physical and psychological shape. We'll impose our rhythm on Saturday in search of victory," concluded the number 10.
In the Brazilian Championship, Flamengo is in first place with 34 points, while Grêmio is in fifth position with 27. In the Copa do Brasil, the teams await the winner of the match between Corinthians and Chapecoense to find out their opponent in the semi-final. In the first leg, in São Paulo, Corinthians won (1-0).