At the end of the regenerative training session carried out by the athletes who started the match against Fluminense last Sunday (30), Rafael Vaz appeared at the Victorino Chermont Press Room, at Ninho do Urubu, to give a press conference. The defender was elected one of the best on the field in the Mais Querido's 1-0 victory in the classic, but left the final of the Campeonato Carioca momentarily aside.
With another important challenge ahead, attention turns once again to the CONMEBOL Libertadores Bridgestone. This Wednesday (03), Flamengo will host Universidad Católica at Maracanã. Vaz commented on the match, as well as the group's preparation for the important upcoming clashes, demonstrating ambition in the competitions ahead, and analyzing the defensive sector's performances in recent matches.
See the main excerpts:
Preparation
Zé talks a lot, both with the defense and the attack. We know the responsibility we have, because we can't train with games on Sunday and Wednesday. It's very difficult, but he's been talking to us. We have a responsibility to be balanced, to avoid conceding goals and to have chances to score. We're well prepared.
Sequence of important games
Our group is very experienced, with players who have already experienced similar situations and even more difficult ones than Wednesday's. We've changed the group. Our team will be very balanced. We know the responsibility of playing for Flamengo in a Libertadores in front of 50 people. We've forgotten about the Carioca championship a bit now, as our first half of the season is very important this week.
Universidad Católica
We expect them to come with a strong desire to win, especially since a lot will be decided for us and for them as well. I think it will be a very open game, because Flamengo isn't a team that plays from the back. It's a game of checkmate. I believe that Flamengo, God willing, will play their best game in the Libertadores.
Group strength
The professor is sharing as much information as possible with us. Flamengo has a great squad, especially because the board was very fortunate with the lineup they assembled. All the players are getting opportunities and are performing to their potential. We're here to make history, and that will only be achieved with titles.