Surprise in the lineup against La "U", Michael pleased the 'boss'
Andrade praises the midfielder's performances in the starting lineup and puts him in direct contention for a spot in the starting 11
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
Flamengo fans have become accustomed to seeing Vinícius Pacheco and Petkovic competing for a midfield position this season. Ramon, who came on in several matches, also competed for the spot, running as an outside hitter. However, since last weekend, another name has emerged, and well, in the playmaking game: Michael.
Signed at the beginning of the year, the player took advantage of the opportunity given to him by the coach and tried to prove himself. He had a good performance against Bangu last Sunday and scored his first goal with the Flamengo shirt this Thursday (08.04), against Universidad de Chile.
"Michael played very well today and had already performed the same way against Bangu last weekend. I had been following his progress in training and felt he deserved a chance. He delivered and became another option in midfield. He's an important player and, who knows, maybe he hasn't managed to earn his place in the group," Andrade assessed.
And if the young midfielder seized his chance with the coach, he also did so with the fans, as he left to applause and his name chanted. The fans, however, seem to have a favorite to take the role of Flamengo's playmaker: Petkovic. As in other matches, they tirelessly called for the player to come on and were eventually met by Andrade, who doesn't mind the pressure.
"It's normal for fans to ask for Petkovic to come on in matches. He's a club idol. It's important to note that when he returns to being the player he was last year, he'll have his place again. This competition for positions is good for Flamengo, and now Michael has stepped up," the coach explained.
Another player praised by Andrade was striker Bruno Mezenga. Playing the role of Emperor Adriano, the undisputed starter, the young Flamengo prospect positioned himself well between the Chilean defenders and added movement to Flamengo's attack.
"Mezenga came into the game well. He became the go-to striker, played pivot several times, and provided important assists. With him on the field, Vagner Love, who was already dropping back to get the ball, had more freedom. In fact, Love has been doing this very well. He performs best when he controls the ball from midfield," Andrade concluded.
Signed at the beginning of the year, the player took advantage of the opportunity given to him by the coach and tried to prove himself. He had a good performance against Bangu last Sunday and scored his first goal with the Flamengo shirt this Thursday (08.04), against Universidad de Chile.
"Michael played very well today and had already performed the same way against Bangu last weekend. I had been following his progress in training and felt he deserved a chance. He delivered and became another option in midfield. He's an important player and, who knows, maybe he hasn't managed to earn his place in the group," Andrade assessed.
And if the young midfielder seized his chance with the coach, he also did so with the fans, as he left to applause and his name chanted. The fans, however, seem to have a favorite to take the role of Flamengo's playmaker: Petkovic. As in other matches, they tirelessly called for the player to come on and were eventually met by Andrade, who doesn't mind the pressure.
"It's normal for fans to ask for Petkovic to come on in matches. He's a club idol. It's important to note that when he returns to being the player he was last year, he'll have his place again. This competition for positions is good for Flamengo, and now Michael has stepped up," the coach explained.
Another player praised by Andrade was striker Bruno Mezenga. Playing the role of Emperor Adriano, the undisputed starter, the young Flamengo prospect positioned himself well between the Chilean defenders and added movement to Flamengo's attack.
"Mezenga came into the game well. He became the go-to striker, played pivot several times, and provided important assists. With him on the field, Vagner Love, who was already dropping back to get the ball, had more freedom. In fact, Love has been doing this very well. He performs best when he controls the ball from midfield," Andrade concluded.