Tite praises Flamengo's match in the Libertadores and criticizes the Brazilian football calendar

Flamengo secured a important victory in the first leg of the round of 16 of the Conmebol Libertadores by beating Bolívar 2-0, in a game held at Maracanã. With the result, the Rio team enters with a significant advantage for the second leg, which will be played in La Paz.

In the post-game press conference, coach Tite praised the team's performance. The coach states that the performance was equal to or better than the 4-0 victory over the same Bolívar in the group stage and that the score does not reflect the high level presented by the red-black team at Maracanã.

“ The result and score do not match the performance, the number of opportunities and the volume had. (The difference in performance from the first to the second half was due to) the phases of the game in which the opponent positions themselves. Positioning yourself in the middle, giving us space behind your back to explore. In the second half he came back, then you have the possibility of playing on the side and having players finishing from medium distance or crossing with finishing. Movement and positioning of the opponent”, analyzed Tite.

The Flamengo coach once again raised the bar tone in criticism of Brazilian football calendar ensuring that the time given for athletes to recover is insufficient. In the match this Thursday (15), Pedro and Gabigol left the playing field feeling pain. The red-black confirmed the injury to the back of the number 9's left thigh. spoke about Gabriel Barbosa's injury.

“Go after the work of Flamengo, as an institution , as greatness. I would like to stay at Flamengo for a long time, but I know that every day that passes is one less day that I will stay here. But the greatness of Flamengo, of its athletes, I wish I was wrong to talk about the calendar. But look what's happening. There are a number of conscientious press people (sic). (Carlos Eduardo) Mansur. Read his chronicle when he talks about the calendar. And there's no point giving me sweet candy when the athletes' union says: "Ah, I thanked Tite because he said so, but the calendar was there and we accepted 66 hours". You don't have to accept it, no. We, as a coach, have to hit, the athlete is going to crush it”, concluded Tite.

At the end of the match, midfielder Gerson also felt uncomfortable, but finished the match. According to Tite, the Flamengo captain had cramps, as did Varela and Nico De La Cruz. The coach also said that he removed Pulgar in the second half because the midfielder complained of pain in his adductor.