The Emperor's return further motivates the group for the classic
Recovering from lower back pain, Adriano wants to make a difference against Vasco on Sunday
By From the team at Flamengo's official website - in
When he entered the field to train on Friday afternoon (09.04), Adriano did not put a smile on the face of coach Andrade, who will be able to count on him in the semifinal of the Rio Cup, against Vasco, next Sunday (11.04). The Emperor left everyone in the squad excited about his return in such an important game.
The excited coach arrived to give an interview to reporters, announcing that he wouldn't reveal the team's lineup. "Don't ask me about the team, because I don't have anything decided yet." Furthermore, the red-and-black manager commented that anxiety is a familiar companion in these decisive moments.
"Anxiety before a derby is normal. Vasco hasn't reached the finals in a long time, and we're on a winning streak. We're under greater pressure for that. But I like it, and the group likes this pressure. The players react well in these situations. They're used to it. Plus, we still have Adriano back," said Andrade.
Cited by the coach, Adriano also spoke with reporters. The happy striker confirmed that he will do everything he can to help Flamengo qualify on Sunday.
"I have to show my face to help my teammates. I know I'm missed on and off the field and I need to do my part. I can't stay out. It's time to help the group. I'm still in a bit of pain, I'm not 100%, but it's worth the sacrifice," said the Emperor, who will still confirm his starting lineup for tomorrow's training session (Saturday).
"We'll see how I'm doing tomorrow. Today (Friday) was the first training session and I have to be careful not to aggravate the pain. I hope to wake up and do another good training session tomorrow. If it's the same as today, I'll play on Sunday. I'll do everything I can to perform well. What matters is my head. I'm fine, focused on what I want. I have to think about helping and I know how much I'm missed by the group," explained the number 10.
A standout in Flamengo's last two matches, midfielder Michael explained how the squad feels about Adriano's presence in games and training.
"Just seeing Adriano in the locker room here, in training, motivates us. He's our role model on the field. If he plays against Vasco on Sunday, he'll help us a lot," Michael added.
The excited coach arrived to give an interview to reporters, announcing that he wouldn't reveal the team's lineup. "Don't ask me about the team, because I don't have anything decided yet." Furthermore, the red-and-black manager commented that anxiety is a familiar companion in these decisive moments.
"Anxiety before a derby is normal. Vasco hasn't reached the finals in a long time, and we're on a winning streak. We're under greater pressure for that. But I like it, and the group likes this pressure. The players react well in these situations. They're used to it. Plus, we still have Adriano back," said Andrade.
Cited by the coach, Adriano also spoke with reporters. The happy striker confirmed that he will do everything he can to help Flamengo qualify on Sunday.
"I have to show my face to help my teammates. I know I'm missed on and off the field and I need to do my part. I can't stay out. It's time to help the group. I'm still in a bit of pain, I'm not 100%, but it's worth the sacrifice," said the Emperor, who will still confirm his starting lineup for tomorrow's training session (Saturday).
"We'll see how I'm doing tomorrow. Today (Friday) was the first training session and I have to be careful not to aggravate the pain. I hope to wake up and do another good training session tomorrow. If it's the same as today, I'll play on Sunday. I'll do everything I can to perform well. What matters is my head. I'm fine, focused on what I want. I have to think about helping and I know how much I'm missed by the group," explained the number 10.
A standout in Flamengo's last two matches, midfielder Michael explained how the squad feels about Adriano's presence in games and training.
"Just seeing Adriano in the locker room here, in training, motivates us. He's our role model on the field. If he plays against Vasco on Sunday, he'll help us a lot," Michael added.