BY OPTION, FLAMENGO TAKES CRICIÚMA IN BRASÍLIA, FOR BRASILEIRÃO

The rating of Flamengo about the Corinthians in the Copa do Brasil continues to have repercussions, especially in relation to Filipe Luís. This is because the red-and-black coach needed to demonstrate his cunning to overcome Ramón Díaz and adjust the team after Bruno Henrique's expulsion, ensuring that the team would not be vulnerablewith one less player. According to Victor Nicolau, from the channel Falso 9, the coach was "brilliant" and "genius" .

Victor details the right decisions made by the Flamengo coach, describing the strategiesimplemented during the confrontation.

“The left side was what the Flamengo had it easy and was doing well. He takes off Gabigol, who wasn't doing well again, and puts on Fabrício Bruno, leaving him with three defenders. In front of them, there was a line of three midfielders and Arrascaeta”, he begins.

The analyst also explains how the roles were distributed in midfield and Filipe Luís' idea when directing the team's offensive plays Corinthians to the sides of the field.

“Flamengo, basically, handed the ball over to Corinthians, and from that, also handed over numerical superiority on the side of field, forcing Pulgar to be that pawn, moving around the sides and even entering the area. Arrascaeta was responsible for being the attacker, and also for possible defensive moments, even being a midfielderin this system”, he continues.

Filipe Luís' defensive strategy

The red and black defense put pressure on the Corinthians attackers, forcing them to remain in the area waiting for crosses. According to the analyst, this approach worked well, with Corinthians resorting to high balls, without success in converting them into dangerous chances.

“Flamengo organized themselves by marking Corinthians' three attackers, who had to keep entering the area the entire time. Léo Pereira and Fabrício Bruno had this dynamic of hunting these players, while Corinthians managed to generate numerical superiority on the sides of the field and cross balls in the area”, he explains.

“It was just what Corinthians limited themselves to doing even without having a high 9 on the field. The challenge that Filipe gave was for Ramón Díaz to try to build something by giving him crosses and Ramón was unable to do anything”, he analyzes.

Flamengo balances defense and attack

The Falso 9 channel also evaluates Flamengo's offensive posture under the command of Filipe Luís. For the analyst, Alex Sandro and Wesley were fundamental in relieving the pressure, while Mengão's midfield He was decisive in maintaining possession of the ball, preventing a Corinthians attack in search of a draw. The team seemed closer to increasing the score than conceding the equalizing goal.

“Flamengo's strategy involved these two wingers (Alex Sandro and Wesley). It was up to them to take the team forward. With one less, you need to have strength when releasing the ball and in transition to put your team in an offensive phase. Additionally, you need to have ball retention. Pulgar, Gerson and Arrascaeta did this brilliantly”, he says.

Victor Nicolau also praises the tactical change in the second half, highlighting Gerson's performance, which was, in his opinion, the best player on the field, in addition to praising the work of Filipe Luís.

“In the second half, the two coaches changed. Filipe Luís removed Alex Sandro to replace Ayrton Lucas. Filipe adapted the team so as not to suffer and Ramón adapted so that Filipe suffered even less. In addition to Flamengo no longer suffering from the corridor, they did not suffer from the inside, because Corinthians are very weak in construction. Flamengo even started to get out on the right side”, he remembers.

“Bright interventions by Filipe Luís, as well as a sublime game from his players. There’s no way not to highlight Gerson’s performance,” he concludes. 

O Flamengo prepares to face Juventude, on Saturday (26), in the 31st round of the Brazilian Championship. Without De La Cruz, injured, Charly Alcaraz should gain space in the team led by Filipe Luís in the next commitments. This is because Alcaraz has characteristics and preference for acting as a second midfielder, that is, a position occupied by De La Cruz. Despite this, the Argentine adapts and can perform any other role in midfield.

In a press conference held in September, Alcaraz He even highlighted the similarity with Flamengo's Uruguayan number 18: “I like to play in the middle, always attacking. I'm a bit similar to Nico De la Cruz, who also likes to go very forward.”

Now, with the absence of From La Cruz, Filipe Luís should opt for Alcaraz as the Uruguayan's immediate replacement to play the role of second midfielder. The return to the starting line-up should be on Saturday (26), when Flamengo returns to the field.

Important to highlight that, until then, Alcaraz acted as second midfielder on three occasions. Against Corinthians, on his debut, the Argentinean replaced Erick Pulgar. Then, in the semi-final of the Copa do Brasil, the player replaced De La Cruz. Finally, against Athletico-PR, the athlete started as a starter.

And now?

Now, with De La Cruz missing, Filipe Luís must opt ​​for Alcaraz as a replacement of the Uruguayan to play the role of second midfielder. The return to the starting line-up should be on Saturday (26), when Flamengo returns to the field.

Important to highlight that, until then, Alcaraz acted as second midfielder on three occasions. Against Corinthians, on his debut, the Argentinean replaced Erick Pulgar. Then, in the semi-final of the Copa do Brasil, the player replaced De La Cruz. Finally, against Athletico-PR, the athlete started as a starter.

Next challenge

With Alcaraz replacing De La Cruz, Flamengo returns to the field on Saturday (26), when they host Juventude, at Maracanã, to compete in the 31st round of the Brazilian Championship. The confrontation takes place from 4:30 pm (Brasília time)