Botafogo sock projects confrontation against Flamengo on Wednesday

Botafogo suffered a 2-0 defeat to Madureira , this Sunday (9) , for the ninth round of the Carioca Championship. After a bad performance and protest of the fans at Kleber Andrade Stadium in Cariacica, midfielder Patrick de Paula came out in defense of the alvinegro cast and highlighted the importance of Wednesday's match (12) with Flamengo.

"We unfortunately lost, it was not the result we wanted. We are always together. It's a group that is together, regardless of anything, we had a lot. Chance, we sought the game, is what Botafogo does, but we did not go goal. But now is to rest, forget about today. Seeking this victory too, "said the midfielder at the field exit. Attitude followed by applause and shouts of "olé" in the bids of the suburban tricolor. After Super Cup, a new defeat to Flamengo will surely increase the dissatisfaction of the rival fans with the board for the delay in hiring a technician and reinforcements.

"Botafogo enters all games for it, but as I said, we work, we dedicate ourselves every day, as we are now dedicated. Then we had to work to be in our best performance, at our best level. Now is to rest, because Wednesday already has a classic, change the key, change our heads, it's over. Wednesday and we can come out victorious ", concluded Patrick de Paula.

With the result, Botafogo follows with 12 points and can leave Carioca's classification zone still in this ninth round. The team is in fourth place, tied at points with Nova Iguaçu and Sampaio Corrêa. Both teams still enter the field. The first faces leader Volta Redonda, at 19h this Sunday (9). Already Sampaio Corrêa faces Vasco this Monday (10).

Therefore, although with one game less, Botafogo may need to take three points in two rounds to advance to the carioca knockout. Losing to Flamengo would mean keeping the 12 points leaving two rounds for the end. And if Nova Iguaçu or Sampaio Corrêa win in this round, Alvinegro will need to win the last two games and cheer for stumbling blocks.

Flamengo must have changes to face Botafogo

In addition to the absence of the injured Alex Sandro, Flamengo must have other changes In the starting lineup against Botafogo. Asked about the decision to save Arrascaeta and La Cruz in a draw with Fluminense, Filipe Luís went straight to stating that he will follow the tract control of athletes regardless of who the opponent is in Carioca. The coach stressed that the focus is on having the entire cast well physically at the beginning of the Brasileirão.

"I won't continue four, five games for players now at the beginning of the year, because I want them to make this turn and be at the apex of Performance at the beginning of the Brazilian. ...) I will not kill anyone in Carioca and, if it costs my work, bad luck ... I want to win the carioca, yes, and it will be more than enough with the players I have ", said the coach of Mengão.