Filipe Luís reveals the team's wear and tear, but demands dedication: "Blood for Flamengo"

In the first leg of the Copa do Brasil final, this Sunday (3), Flamengo emerged victorious against Atlético-MG 3-1, but the physical effort required for some athletes, such as Uruguayan midfielder Arrascaeta, was evident. Playing in pain, the number 14 left the field in the second half, reinforcing his commitment to the CRF, even with physical limitations. After the match, Arrascaeta explained his condition and highlighted his intention to play the round in Belo Horizonte, despite the risk.

In an interview At the end of the game, the Uruguayan explained that wear and tear led him to need extra protection on his knee, aggravating the need for surgery. “I have been playing with knee protection and may need another intervention at the end of the season. I'm trying to support the team in this final stage. It's important to be on the field, but obviously the pain makes it difficult. As a result, the other muscles end up overloaded, but the medical department and I are doing our best to be ready for the next match,” said the player.

COACH EXALTS DRAGON'S SACRIFICE AND HIGHLIGHTS THE TEAM'S RESILIENCE

At the press conference after the game, coach Filipe Luís was asked about the physical condition of Arrascaeta and revealed that the player has been in pain since before he took charge of the team. Filipe praised the dedication of the midfielder, who has spared no effort for Mengão, even in adverse conditions. "Arrascaeta has been dedicating himself to the maximum for the Sacred Mantle, showing an admirable fighting spirit. A player who needs surgery, but is on the field, putting the Flamengoabove anything, he will certainly feel the effects of this in the future, but his attitude is exemplary," commented Filipe.

PLAYERS MUST ADAPT TO THE INTENSE ROUTINE, EVALUATE FILIPE LUÍS

In addition to praising Arrascaeta's effort, Filipe Luís also spoke about the team's physical condition, which, according to him, tends to end matches exhausted – something natural, in his opinion, for a team used to competing in high level. Inspired by the preparation style that has already been the subject of other Flamengo coaches, Filipe emphasized that the sequence of games helps athletes adapt to the effort. “This group is very qualified, and the more they play, the better they become. The human body adapts; whoever plays 90 minutes once can do so successively. The effort we see is natural, and recovery is an essential part of this routine. We will play whoever is most prepared, and that is our philosophy for facing each match,” added the coach.