"Most important game of the year", Corinthians defender talks about 'war' against Flamengo

With no round of the Brasileirão during the FIFA Date , the Sportv Closing program featured Everton Ribeiro this Sunday (8). The midfielder, champion of the Copa do Nordeste for Bahia the day before , gave a live interview via video conference directly from Salvador.

During the conversation, the player discussed his partnership with Rogério Ceni, with whom he had previously worked at Flamengo , and highlighted the coach's evolution. For Everton Ribeiro, Ceni presents a more updated style and is closer to the group compared to his time in charge of the Rubro-Negro.

" I believe Rogério (Ceni) has been updating himself, and he's also been changing his approach to the group. I see a huge difference from what he was like with Flamengo ," said the Bahia midfielder.

ROGERIO CENI IS UNDER INTENSE CHARGE

According to Everton Ribeiro, Rogério Ceni's drive to win remains a hallmark, but the coach has learned to balance pressure and squad management. " Today, he can identify when a player isn't doing well and has the sensitivity to talk to them and offer a word of encouragement. That makes a difference in the atmosphere ," the midfielder stated.

He also highlighted that Ceni has given space to the young players from the academy, as was the case in the final against Confiança . For Ribeiro, this approach contributes to the development of the athletes and strengthens the squad.

EVERTON RIBEIRO REMEMBERS LEAVING MENGÃO

At the end of 2023, Everton Ribeiro chose to end his time at Flamengo , refusing the one-year renewal offered by the Rio de Janeiro club . At Bahia, he signed a two-year contract, with the possibility of a one-year extension.

The match between Juventude and Flamengo , valid for the 23rd round of the Brazilian Championship, will be played on September 14th, at 4 pm, at the Alfredo Jaconi Stadium, in Caxias do Sul. Tickets for the visiting fans cost R$ 180 and will be available exclusively on the website ingressos.flamengo.com.br

Ticket sales will begin on September 9th at 2 p.m., with priority given to members of the Sem Fronteiras and Nação Maraca 1 (1-star) plans. Throughout the same day and the following day, sales will gradually be rolled out to other plans until reaching the general public online on September 10th at 6 p.m. The deadline for purchases and cancellations is September 12th at 10 a.m.

FLAMENGO COMES FROM A DRAW IN THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Flamengo has not played since a 1-1 draw against Grêmio on August 31st, in the 22nd round of the Brasileirão . The calendar, which had been intense since before the Club World Cup , was softened by the FIFA World Cup break, between September 1st and 10th.

This break gave the squad a breather, having faced a marathon of recent commitments. The break was crucial for physical recovery and tactical adjustments, as well as allowing injured players to regain better conditions before the September season.

TECHNICAL COMMITTEE PLANS RESUMPTION

Even with the Copa do Brasil elimination to Atlético-MG, which initially seemed to open up more space in the calendar, the CBF made adjustments that kept the schedule tight . The coaching staff is taking advantage of the FIFA International Closure period to strengthen preparations for the decisive matches in the Copa Libertadores da América, as well as the fight for top spot in the Brasileirão.

Gerson's departure to Zenit St. Petersburg in the last transfer window changed the course of his recent career. The midfielder, a fixture on the Brazilian national team, has not been mentioned by Carlo Ancelotti since the transfer . The deal brought in €25 million (approximately R$160 million at the time) for the Mais Querido's coffers, a sum paid upfront by the Russian club.

Luiz Henrique, Gerson 's teammate at Zenit, revealed that he maintains close contact with the former Mengão player and highlighted that both have sought to maintain focus and physical fitness for a future opportunity with the national team.

"We talk daily. Gerson and I told each other to stay 100%, because Carlo Ancelotti has already said he's monitoring all the players. It doesn't matter if the athlete is in Russia or England," said Luiz Henrique.

GERSON ON THE RADAR?

The striker also emphasized that the Brazilian national team coach has been repeating that everyone is being watched: " Just because we're in Russia doesn't mean we're no longer being seen. We're maintaining our dedication, because the opportunity can always come, " he added.

CHALLENGE IN EUROPE

Despite the multi-million dollar transfer, Gerson has yet to replicate the prominence he enjoyed at Flamengo at Zenit. In Brazil, he established himself as a starter and an important player for the national team under Carlo Ancelotti. However, his adaptation to Russian football has been more difficult, which may have contributed to his absence from recent call-ups.