Rhodolfo: "We have to think about winning"
Defender projects duel against Emelec in Ecuador
By Matheus Oliveira - inBefore the red-and-black delegation traveled to Ecuador, where the team's second CONMEBOL Libertadores match against Emelec will be played, Rhodolfo gave a press conference in the Victorino Chermont Press Room at Ninho do Urubu. The defender spoke to reporters after the tactical training session that continued their preparation.
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Listed to replace captain Réver, diagnosed with bone edema and not on the list of players selected for the match, the number 44 commented on his absence from the team.
"I spoke with Réver during the week, and he was complaining of pain. He's very important to the group, our captain," said Rhodolfo, commenting on his good form with the Sacred Mantle. "I've been playing well in the matches, and my connection with Juan has been good. It's going to be an important away game. We have to go in thinking about winning. The other teams in our group also drew. The trip is exhausting, but we're focused on putting in a good performance," he added.
Having gained a point in the 2-2 home draw against Argentinian side River Plate in their debut, a victory in Guayaquil would be even more important for the ambitions of Paulo César Carpegiani's men in the competition. Aiming to return with all three points, the defender commented on the high expectations of the Nation and his ambitions defending the Rubro-Negro.
"Playing for Flamengo brings a different pressure than other teams I've played for. They have a passionate fan base, the biggest in Brazil, so this pressure is normal. I want to be champion here, especially in the Libertadores, which is a very important competition. Our focus has to be on victory and our development so that, in the future, we can reap the rewards," he projected.
Carpegiani has been improving the team's tactical skills during training at Ninho do Urubu, in addition to paying close attention to the technical aspects. Rhodolfo approves of the manager's work, highlighting the team's growth as a result of absorbing the knowledge imparted by the experienced coach.
"Since he arrived, our team has improved a lot, defensively speaking. The team that's been playing has conceded few goals. We're performing consistently. The team is on the right track, the coach is teaching us what he wants, and we're gradually picking up some of his work. I think we'll play well in Ecuador," said the defender.
The match against Emelec will be played this Wednesday (14), with the ball rolling from 21:45 pm Brasília time.
Check out other excerpts from Rhodolfo's interview:
Last campaign
I watched a few Flamengo games. They couldn't win away from home, and in this competition, you can't lose. If you can't win, sometimes a draw is a good result. We know how difficult a competition like the Libertadores is, but Flamengo goes everywhere always thinking about winning.
Empty stadium at the premiere
Unfortunately, we suffered a draw at home, but we missed our fans. I've played against Flamengo many times, and they make all the difference. It's strange to play without fans, without the difference they make. Tomorrow we'll make some adjustments with the coach, and he'll also give us more information about the opponent.
Good performances
I think this year has started very well, keeping the team's level high. We're very well-stocked with defenders, and whoever comes in will do the job.
Wednesday's opponent
We need to focus on our work first. We also have quality players on our team that they'll need to worry about. We've already studied some of the opposing team's skills. They're very good, with quality players, and quick players. We'll stay here and work hard to put in a good performance.
Tactical variations with Aaron
Different characteristics. If Arão joins the team, we'll be more defensive, with more help in marking. We have a very technical team up front, with a lot of quality. We need to know how to play with that and help each other to improve. Carpegiani talks a lot with the players to adjust the marking, both at the back and up front. We're sure we'll bring a lot of joy.