Rhodolfo praises the red-black squad and comments on Abel Braga's style
Shirt 44 gave a press conference on Thursday afternoon (17)
By John Peter Granette - in
Flamengo's squad returned to Rio de Janeiro after participating in the Florida Tournament and is already working with an eye on the Carioca debut. After training on Thursday morning (17), defender Rhodolfo gave a press conference at Ninho do Urubu and made a point of praising the quality of the group.
"The group has great players and is very good. Not everyone will always play. The coach will rotate, and there are a lot of games throughout the year. If that's the case, everyone will play and without injuries. No one likes to be on the bench, but we have to respect the coach. He wants the best for the team."
Coach Abel Braga will be in charge of the professional team in 2019. Rhodolfo spoke about his relationship with the manager and the style of play he expects from the new coach.
"Every coach has a different style. We haven't worked with Abel much, but he's a guy who talks a lot with the team. He expects a more united team. We have a lot of quality, from the goalkeeper to the striker. The idea is to keep the ball and have a team that moves forward."
The debut of the Campeonato Carioca will be next Sunday (20), against Bangu, at Maracanã. The ball will roll at 16 pm and the number 44 said that he has expectations for 2019.
"Wearing the Flamengo jersey is already a pressure. Whether at the airport, on vacation, or even in the condominium. Flamengo is like this, and those who come know the responsibility they have. Those who play here have to think about being champions. We're going to climb one step at a time, and there's a long way to go. That starts on Sunday."
Check out other answers from number 44
Dispute for position
I worked with Rodrigo Caio at São Paulo. When I arrived there, three months later, he was promoted to the professional team. He's a good guy, and I know him well. Here we also have Léo, Thuler, Dantas, and now Patrick, all talented. The competition for positions is very good and healthy. Abel said he'll rotate the team initially, and our defense is very good. Flamengo is the one who benefits from this.
Strength of the squad and first impressions of Gabigol and De Arrascaeta
The arrivals were good. Our group is very good, and newcomers are always welcomed. It's one of the best teams I've ever worked with. They trained, and we set up a corridor to give them a little pat on the back.
Preparation for the game against Bangu
It starts today. Abel said he was already putting together the team to face Bangu. So far, no one knows who will play, and if he counts on me, I'm in great shape. I did well in Florida, I'm in good physical shape, and I took care of myself during the vacation.
Rumors about an alleged departure from the club
I didn't watch much TV during the holidays. I live in the countryside of Paraná and wanted to spend time with my family. Someone was talking about leaving the club; they've sold me five or six times, but it was all speculation. My agent spoke to the board, and they're interested in me. Abel praised the group and all the defenders. I'm focused on helping Flamengo a lot.