Zé Ricardo and Guerrero praise the team's performance and the fans' unconditional support
The coach commented on the strategy for the match and Guerrero spoke about his growth alongside his teammates
By Isabela Abirached - in
Wednesday night (13) was another magical night for the Rubro-Negra Nation. In the second match of the Rubro-Negro at Maracanã for the CONMEBOL Libertadores Bridgestone, with another show from the fans in an exciting mosaic that paid homage to the 1981 title, the victory went to the Most Beloved again. With Guerrero opening the scoring and another great goal from Diego, Mengão won 2-1 and reached the top of Group 4.
Fan club members have the pride of playing alongside each victory: the money goes to football and brings more reinforcements, new talent, and infrastructure to the training center. And they also have advantages in official stores to buy the jersey and wear it with pride! Click and join now.
At the press conference after the match, Zé Ricardo and Guerrero spoke to reporters and praised the unconditional support of the fans who packed the stadium, as well as praising the team's performance.
Check the interview in full:
Ze Ricardo
Isolated leadership
A very tough group in a tough competition. There are no easy games; we know that every match carries a lot of weight. Playing at home, we want to make the Mantle count. The group deserves congratulations for their fight and organization on the field to win. It was a great game, and those who watched must have enjoyed the spectacle.
Trauco and Guerrero
Shortly before the match, I learned I wouldn't be able to count on Mancuello, who would play. We used Trauco to play inside; he'd played that way in his last team. This chemistry with Paolo is important, as he comes from the Peruvian national team. It's good that it worked today. But I commend the entire group. Diego barely played in the game; we rested him on corner kicks, he was gifted with the goal, and unfortunately, he was taken off. The Libertadores is always a battle, and we left here with all three points.
Performance decline
We missed Éverton's absences—Rômulo, Mancuello himself, who felt he was preparing for the game—as well as Berrio, who is an excellent option. We planned to start the game very strong and open the scoring. Atlético is very cohesive, and it's difficult to play against them. We built a good lead and could have even opened up more opportunities with Diego's shot off the post. In the second half, a mistake on our part gave them a chance to score. But in the end, everything worked out; we prepared well for this game.
Diego
I thank him for his commitment; he came to the game with great enthusiasm. With all the energy from our fans, it's impossible not to be affected. He ended up suffering an injury and will be evaluated tomorrow to determine the extent of it. But today proved we have a strong group. Some players who hadn't been playing much came in well and showed fighting spirit. It's a great honor to lead such a group.
Upcoming clashes
It's such a tight competition and such a tough group. Making any predictions is difficult at the end of the first half of the season. Even San Lorenzo has a chance of qualifying. We knew the importance of winning the home match because we know everything is still up for grabs. Now it's time to get plenty of rest for Sunday's game against Botafogo and then focus on the match against Atlético there (in Curitiba).
Trauco in the middle
When we heard Mancuello was out, I brought in a player with good crossing and ball control. Working with a right-footed player might not have provided the speed we'd like. We saw Trauco's potential in training; he's already played that way. We also gained a great marker at left back, Renê, who was able to integrate very well there. Trauco's ability and intelligence made everything work.
Group in hand
We have a close-knit professional group that enjoys working. As professionals, they work toward goals. Unity certainly makes things much easier. We have a group that knows what it wants. We have options, and we work on them. Often, the game puts us in new situations, and we have to work on our convictions to develop a game-by-game strategy. Donatti has been training well, working hard, waiting for his opportunity, and he's making the most of it. The best performing player will always get their chance. Of course, always with a healthy competition; that's the only thing we ask of our athletes.
Fan support
It's not just about strategy, but also about emotion. Today, like what happened with Cirino (the fans chanted his name loudly when he was substituted), we saw the importance of this energy. We will achieve our goals if we all work together. That's the support I ask of our fans.
Paolo Guerrero
First goal
It was a very quick move. I'd already spoken to Trauco about passing the ball to me. And at the first opportunity, he passed it to me, I got the defender's position, Weverton came out very quickly, when the ball went up, he had to jump with the defender. Thank God the ball bounced to me and went in.
Beginning of the year
Good start. This year we prepared for everything we're competing in. The group deserves congratulations for their team spirit and unity. Today, with everyone's help, I managed to score, and I'm very happy with the team's performance. We're giving our all on the field and managed to earn three more points. We're leading, but we must be aware that there's more to come. The Carioca semifinal is also very important for us. We have to prepare well and go into the next decisive matches playing like we did today.
Similar goal to the one against Chelsea at the World Cup
Some teammates have mentioned it. But I haven't seen it yet; the play was very quick. When I see it, I'll think it was similar. I go up with the defender and manage to score.
I like to play close to the defenders
I look for the defenders' backs. I try to talk about this with my teammates. Trauco knows me well and knows how I like it. I also play pivot. It's difficult for the defender. He doesn't know if I'm going to receive the ball at his feet or behind his back. So I switch positions to confuse the defender.
Diego's departure
Everyone knows he's crucial to the team; he controls the game well and organizes the team. We lost control a bit in midfield, but we didn't stop fighting, we gave our all, we fought until the end. Matheus Savio, who came in, will definitely gain experience and loosen up as well.
Good phase
The team spirit was very important; we have a unique style of play. Everyone on the team participates, and I end up trying much harder to arrive calmly and score goals.
Fans' support for Cirino
What the fans did for Cirino made me very happy. It was truly magnificent and incredible, and I have to congratulate them. This way, they inspire the player to run harder and give more of themselves to the team.
Fan club members have the pride of playing alongside each victory: the money goes to football and brings more reinforcements, new talent, and infrastructure to the training center. And they also have advantages in official stores to buy the jersey and wear it with pride! Click and join now.
At the press conference after the match, Zé Ricardo and Guerrero spoke to reporters and praised the unconditional support of the fans who packed the stadium, as well as praising the team's performance.
Check the interview in full:
Ze Ricardo
Isolated leadership
A very tough group in a tough competition. There are no easy games; we know that every match carries a lot of weight. Playing at home, we want to make the Mantle count. The group deserves congratulations for their fight and organization on the field to win. It was a great game, and those who watched must have enjoyed the spectacle.
Trauco and Guerrero
Shortly before the match, I learned I wouldn't be able to count on Mancuello, who would play. We used Trauco to play inside; he'd played that way in his last team. This chemistry with Paolo is important, as he comes from the Peruvian national team. It's good that it worked today. But I commend the entire group. Diego barely played in the game; we rested him on corner kicks, he was gifted with the goal, and unfortunately, he was taken off. The Libertadores is always a battle, and we left here with all three points.
Performance decline
We missed Éverton's absences—Rômulo, Mancuello himself, who felt he was preparing for the game—as well as Berrio, who is an excellent option. We planned to start the game very strong and open the scoring. Atlético is very cohesive, and it's difficult to play against them. We built a good lead and could have even opened up more opportunities with Diego's shot off the post. In the second half, a mistake on our part gave them a chance to score. But in the end, everything worked out; we prepared well for this game.
Diego
I thank him for his commitment; he came to the game with great enthusiasm. With all the energy from our fans, it's impossible not to be affected. He ended up suffering an injury and will be evaluated tomorrow to determine the extent of it. But today proved we have a strong group. Some players who hadn't been playing much came in well and showed fighting spirit. It's a great honor to lead such a group.
Upcoming clashes
It's such a tight competition and such a tough group. Making any predictions is difficult at the end of the first half of the season. Even San Lorenzo has a chance of qualifying. We knew the importance of winning the home match because we know everything is still up for grabs. Now it's time to get plenty of rest for Sunday's game against Botafogo and then focus on the match against Atlético there (in Curitiba).
Trauco in the middle
When we heard Mancuello was out, I brought in a player with good crossing and ball control. Working with a right-footed player might not have provided the speed we'd like. We saw Trauco's potential in training; he's already played that way. We also gained a great marker at left back, Renê, who was able to integrate very well there. Trauco's ability and intelligence made everything work.
Group in hand
We have a close-knit professional group that enjoys working. As professionals, they work toward goals. Unity certainly makes things much easier. We have a group that knows what it wants. We have options, and we work on them. Often, the game puts us in new situations, and we have to work on our convictions to develop a game-by-game strategy. Donatti has been training well, working hard, waiting for his opportunity, and he's making the most of it. The best performing player will always get their chance. Of course, always with a healthy competition; that's the only thing we ask of our athletes.
Fan support
It's not just about strategy, but also about emotion. Today, like what happened with Cirino (the fans chanted his name loudly when he was substituted), we saw the importance of this energy. We will achieve our goals if we all work together. That's the support I ask of our fans.
Paolo Guerrero
First goal
It was a very quick move. I'd already spoken to Trauco about passing the ball to me. And at the first opportunity, he passed it to me, I got the defender's position, Weverton came out very quickly, when the ball went up, he had to jump with the defender. Thank God the ball bounced to me and went in.
Beginning of the year
Good start. This year we prepared for everything we're competing in. The group deserves congratulations for their team spirit and unity. Today, with everyone's help, I managed to score, and I'm very happy with the team's performance. We're giving our all on the field and managed to earn three more points. We're leading, but we must be aware that there's more to come. The Carioca semifinal is also very important for us. We have to prepare well and go into the next decisive matches playing like we did today.
Similar goal to the one against Chelsea at the World Cup
Some teammates have mentioned it. But I haven't seen it yet; the play was very quick. When I see it, I'll think it was similar. I go up with the defender and manage to score.
I like to play close to the defenders
I look for the defenders' backs. I try to talk about this with my teammates. Trauco knows me well and knows how I like it. I also play pivot. It's difficult for the defender. He doesn't know if I'm going to receive the ball at his feet or behind his back. So I switch positions to confuse the defender.
Diego's departure
Everyone knows he's crucial to the team; he controls the game well and organizes the team. We lost control a bit in midfield, but we didn't stop fighting, we gave our all, we fought until the end. Matheus Savio, who came in, will definitely gain experience and loosen up as well.
Good phase
The team spirit was very important; we have a unique style of play. Everyone on the team participates, and I end up trying much harder to arrive calmly and score goals.
Fans' support for Cirino
What the fans did for Cirino made me very happy. It was truly magnificent and incredible, and I have to congratulate them. This way, they inspire the player to run harder and give more of themselves to the team.