O, in Maracanã, for the round of 16 of the Brazilian Cup. After the match, the coach of the Rio team, Filipe Luís, gave a detailed interview about the team’s performance, the rookies on the field and the strategic planning for the next commitments.
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Debutants and the challenge of getting into shape
The coach highlighted the importance of rookies Samuel Lino, Saul and Emerson Royal. Among the three, Samuel Lino, who had already played the World Cup and had little break, was more fit, while Saul and Emerson Royal arrived after periods of inactivity, but Filipe believes they will quickly be ready to contribute to the fullest.
“We know Samuel’s quality, and he’s the type of player we wanted for this position.” It can be decisive, especially in the opposing area. The other two, Saul and Emerson, will still need more training time and minutes of play, but they are young, so they will soon be ready – said the coach.
Error in leaving ball and missed opportunity
One of the most striking moments of the match was the error in leaving the ball that resulted in the goal of Atlético-MG. Filipe Luís, however, did not blame the players, but a tactical plan that is part of the team’s philosophy.
-Our departure from the ball was successful in several matches, but today we had the first mistake, which ended up generating the opposing goal. I am responsible for this strategy. I always taught my players to go out playing and knew that at some point this would generate a risk. But I believe in this form of play and even with the mistake, I want them to keep trying, ”explained the coach.
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Filipe Luís also commented on the failure of Léo Pereira in the goal of the goal of victory scored by Cuello.
– The pass was not exactly as expected, and the opponent managed to anticipate the move, but overall this is my philosophy and the players know what I expect from them.
LUIZ ARAÚJO POSITIONING
Another point addressed was the position of Luiz Araújo, who acted on the left side, a change in relation to his usual position on the right. Filipe Luís explained the tactical option, even recognizing that the player’s performance was not ideal.
– I know that Luiz Araújo’s best place is on the right, but today I wanted to leave Matheus Gonçalves in his position, because of his dribble ability. I also believe in Luiz’s finishing power when he receives the ball in the area, so even though he is something outside his comfort zone, he did what can be expected from a player sacrificed by the team – said the coach.
Absence of Arrascaeta and Jorginho
Filipe Luís also talked about the decision to save some important players, such as Arrascaeta and Jorginho, who were left out of the match to preserve their rhythm and energy to the next challenges of Flamengo.
– It’s a planned strategy. Neither Arrascaeta, nor Jorginho were vetoed, but considering the sequence of games, I decided to save them to make sure they get well for the next game and the next few weeks. It would not be prudent to put them on the field today and then again on Sunday. So I opted for other options in the cast – explained the coach.
Flamengo returns to the field next Sunday (3) against Ceará, at 18:30 (Brasília), at Arena Castelão, for the 18th round of the Brazilian Championship.
