Regaining confidence and the squad's determination were the two main topics of the press conference coach Zé Ricardo gave after the 2-1 victory over Coritiba at Ilha do Urubu. According to the Flamengo coach, the team handled the pressure to win after three games without a win and pushed for the goal until the end, showing they deserved the result.
"We were going through a difficult time where anxiety was getting in the way. We were chasing a goal the whole game and didn't deserve any other result. Because of everything that went into the game, we needed the three points. I'll give our performance a pass because we were suffering from anxiety, but we fought hard throughout the game and regained our confidence," said Zé, who praised the quality of the squad available, even after the changes in the starting lineup.
"Regarding the option of making changes, we want to utilize the squad as much as possible. The competition is very grueling, with games on Wednesday and Sunday. We had a specific conversation with the players to determine the timing. Everyone wanted to play, which shows the group's commitment. The most important thing is the pace of the game," he added.
Berrio
Zé Ricardo was also asked about the last-minute option for Berrio, as Everton had a cold and couldn't be selected.
"Everton trained normally, but it seems he felt some discomfort during the night. I only found out today. In the warm-up, he tried, he wanted to play, but he couldn't. With Berrio, we switched Geuvânio's side and it worked. Berrio used his physical ability and scored the goal early on, which helped us a lot."
Tribute to the 1992 team
Before the game, the five-time champions of 1992 were honored by raising the trophy on the field, much to the delight of the fans. For Zé, such gestures are important and fair.
"The club is to be congratulated for paying tribute and remembering the achievement. I was able to meet my namesake, the '92 champion, as well as see idols being cheered by the fans. It's very important to have moments like these."
Flamengo returns to the field on Wednesday (26), against Santos, for the Copa do Brasil. In the first leg, Rubro-Negro won 2-0. For the Brasileirão, the next game will be on Sunday (30), against Corinthians, in São Paulo.
"We were going through a difficult time where anxiety was getting in the way. We were chasing a goal the whole game and didn't deserve any other result. Because of everything that went into the game, we needed the three points. I'll give our performance a pass because we were suffering from anxiety, but we fought hard throughout the game and regained our confidence," said Zé, who praised the quality of the squad available, even after the changes in the starting lineup.
"Regarding the option of making changes, we want to utilize the squad as much as possible. The competition is very grueling, with games on Wednesday and Sunday. We had a specific conversation with the players to determine the timing. Everyone wanted to play, which shows the group's commitment. The most important thing is the pace of the game," he added.
Berrio
Zé Ricardo was also asked about the last-minute option for Berrio, as Everton had a cold and couldn't be selected.
"Everton trained normally, but it seems he felt some discomfort during the night. I only found out today. In the warm-up, he tried, he wanted to play, but he couldn't. With Berrio, we switched Geuvânio's side and it worked. Berrio used his physical ability and scored the goal early on, which helped us a lot."
Tribute to the 1992 team
Before the game, the five-time champions of 1992 were honored by raising the trophy on the field, much to the delight of the fans. For Zé, such gestures are important and fair.
"The club is to be congratulated for paying tribute and remembering the achievement. I was able to meet my namesake, the '92 champion, as well as see idols being cheered by the fans. It's very important to have moments like these."
Flamengo returns to the field on Wednesday (26), against Santos, for the Copa do Brasil. In the first leg, Rubro-Negro won 2-0. For the Brasileirão, the next game will be on Sunday (30), against Corinthians, in São Paulo.