O balance of the “storm” was positive, and now the Flamengo try to enjoy the calm. With the return of players who were away from the last matches, coach Renato Gaúcho gains options at a crucial moment in the season, and will have the challenge of managing a fight in the squad that became even more fierce after the “gaps” of the holders.
The forecast is the trio that participated in the World Cup qualifiers — midfielder Everton Ribeiro and striker Gabigol, that were with the Brazilian team, and the Chilean Isla — return to Rubro-Negro today (16), and undergo an evaluation by the technical committee aiming at the duel with Cuiabá, tomorrow (17), for the Brazilian championship. Arrascaeta, who was injured while with the Uruguayan national team, is already coming undergoing treatment at the Vulture’s Nest in the last days.
In addition, defender Gustavo Henrique and midfielder Diego, recovered from injuries, also return to the dispute for the coach’s attention. Vitinho, who served his suspension against Juventude, is another one on the list.
Everton Ribeiro started against Venezuela, being substituted at halftime, did not act in front of Colombia, and entered during the second half against Uruguay. Gabigol, in turn, started in the first two clashes — against Colombia he came out in the final stage — and entered the second half against Uruguay. Fla’s shirt 9 rocked the net in the first and third games.
For Chile, Isla, who is going through ups and downs at Gávea, was a starter in the three commitments, against Peru, Paraguay and Venezuela. In the second game, he even scored a goal and provided an assist.
During the period with absences, Renato Gaúcho kept the team’s formation in the 4-3-3 and saw some names stand out. the young right-back Matheuzinho, for example, took the chance and, with the assistance in the triumph over Fortaleza, he was equal to Bruno Henrique, Michael and Gabigol in the ranking of the rubro-negro “waiters”, behind Everton Ribeiro (8), Arrascaeta and Vitinho (13).
In the middle of the field, with Arrascaeta in the yard, there is the possibility of Andreas Pereira, who gained even more spotlight after the good performance front to youth, remain acting earlier. For the position of second defensive midfielder, there is Thiago Maia and now Diego, one of the leaders of the squad.
Ahead, an even stronger battle. After working for Tite’s team, Everton Ribeiro can return to the space that was occupied by Vitinho and Kenedy — starting for the first time last Wednesday — during this period. Meanwhile, Gabigol returns after Pedro performs the role and scores in all three matches, in addition to giving an assistance to Kenedy against the team from Caxias do Sul.
The fact is that Renato wins alternatives and now has a puzzle in his hands, with what became known in the world of football as a “good headache”. It is noteworthy that the movement took place at a time of the season that is designed to be crucial. At the Brazilian Nationals, each round becomes important to keep the team alive in the race to reach the leader Atlético-MG. In addition, next Wednesday, Fla starts, against Athletico-PR, a fight for a place in the final of the Brazil’s Cup. In addition, of course, in just over a month, he’ll face Palmeiras in the final of the liberators, in Montevideo, Uruguay.
“If it’s in Flamengo’s group, it’s because it has quality. When the opportunity comes, you have to take it. Everyone has done the job. You might think Flamengo isn’t that strong with them, but we’re looking for the titles of the three competitions. We are the only ones. Every three days we have a decision and we need to win. And with all the problems,” said Renato.
Reencounter with Jorginho
Tomorrow’s duel, with Cuiabá, will put Renato Gaúcho on the opposite side of Jorginho, former Flamengo teammate — they won the 1987 Union Cup — and the Brazilian national team.
“Happy for his success in Cuiabá. I get along very well with Jorginho, and we understood each other on the field. Happy to see a former teammate succeeding. I’ll always cheer for him, except on Sunday, because I’m Mengão,” he said.
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