Victory in Flamengo's struggle doesn't please the fans: "You have to be willing"

The 28th round of the Brazilian Championship ended with an important victory for Mais Querido. Last Sunday (29), Flamengo beat Athletico-PR 1-0 at Maracanã, ensuring their stay in the G-4 of the competition. The result was crucial in reducing the gap to the leader, Botafogo, which is now nine points. It is worth remembering that Mengão still has one game less, which could shorten the distance even further.

Playing at home, Rubro-Negro from Rio was superior on the field and carried out most of the offensive plays during the match. However, the winning goal only came 44 minutes into the second half, with Gerson, guaranteeing the three points for CRF. The triumph was essential for the team to remain among the top four in the table.

After winning the 28th round, Mengão now turns his attention to his next commitment in the Brazilian Championship. The team will face Bahia next Saturday (05), at 7pm (Brasília time), at Arena Fonte Nova, for the 29th round of the competition. The match will be another test for the team to maintain the rhythm and continue in the fight for the title.

With the victory over Athletico-PR, the Flamengo added three more points to its Brasileirão campaign. So far, the team has 14 wins, six draws and seven defeats, with 43 goals scored and 32 conceded. The team's regularity has been essential to remain in the fight for the top positions in the tournament.

Before returning to focusing on the Brasileirão, Rubro-Negro has an important mission for the Copa do Brasil. Next Wednesday (02), Flamengo will face Corinthians at Maracanã, in the first match of the competition's semi-finals. The team led by Tite is looking for a good result at home, as the decision to place in the final will be in São Paulo.

Despite Mais Querido's victory over Athletico-PR, coach Tite did not escape harsh criticism from the fans at Maracanã. The fans' dissatisfaction, especially after the elimination in the Libertadores, was evident with boos and insults both upon the coach's arrival and departure from the stadium.

The team's irregular performance this season also contributed to the discontent of the Red and Blacks, who demanded more results and better performances.

During the post-game press conference, Tite commented on the protests from the fans, demonstrating understanding in the face of criticism. "I understand the demonstrations and the fans' love for the club. I seek to bring this maturity to the athletes so that they have the capacity to resist, resilience, to try as happened. That's why we deserve the score", declared the coach.

The pressure on Mengão increased last Thursday, when the team was eliminated from the Libertadores after draw at home with Peñarol. This result increased criticism of Tite's work and further shook the atmosphere at the club. Furthermore, the irregular performance in the Brazilian Championship, which removed the team from contention for the title, raised the tone of the fans' protests.

At the reunion with the fans, last Sunday, the frustration was evident. Even after the victory over Athletico-PR, chants of protest and dissatisfaction echoed in the stands, demonstrating that the climate of demand remains strong.

During the press conference, a journalist read a letter from an anonymous fan who questioned the coach about responsibility for the team's problems. Tite, in response, highlighted his commitment to work and dignity in the position. "I try to do my best, maybe I won't be the coach of your dreams. But the work and dignity you can be sure will always be there. Respect for you, the athletes and the entity will always be there", said the coach, showing confidence in leading the team.

On Sunday night (29), Flamengo faced Athletico-PR and spent another match without scoring goals. Rubro-Negro even managed to create plays, but the attack was unable to be effective. Thus, Mais Querido fell to fifth place, with only 45 points gained in 28 rounds. MATCH SUMMARY

The match between Flamengo and Athletico-PR started with Mais Querido dominating. This is because, in the first few minutes, Rubro-Negro managed to throw the ball into the opponent's area through corners and Léo Ortiz almost managed to open the scoring after a rebound given by goalkeeper Mycael.

The team from Paraná also had his moments of dominance and forced Rossi to make a great save after Zapelli took a clear free kick. The negative highlights of the first half were David Luiz, who suffered with Cannobio and Gabigol, who did not take advantage of the chances he had to open the scoring and received a yellow card after disagreements with Gamarra. At 42', Gerson takes a risk from outside the area, but the opposing goalkeeper manages to save.

In the second half, the confrontation was the same as in the first half, but Athetico-PR took advantage of a chance and Pablo managed to make a good move, arriving in the Mais Querido area. However, the player was offside.

So, Tite decided to make changes to the team and changed the left flank with Alex Sandro, the defense with Léo Pereira, the attack with Bruno Henrique and the midfield with De La Cruz and Arrascaeta. However, the team only knew how to circulate the ball at the edge of the area, but were unable to finish. At 32', Gabigol created a play with Alex Sandro, but despite the full-back managing to make the cross go just right, the attacker lost.

During the match and throughout the final minutes, the red and black fans did not forgave the team and protested strongly. The biggest targets were coach Tite and the board. However, in the 44th minute, Wesley sent a beautiful cross to Gerson's head, which he put into the back of the net to give Mais Querido the victory.