Rogério Ceni regrets the defeat in Flamengo’s debut: “The result does not show the reality of the match” | Flamengo

The new red-black coach liked the team’s production and regretted the absence of players due to injuries and calls from the respective national teams, including Pedro, Éverton Ribeiro, Filipe Luís and Isla.

– The result does not show the reality that the game was, especially in the first half, when we arrived a lot. The smallest detail was missing. We produce very well. It is a pity. There are another 90 minutes left and it’s a goal difference. It’s a shame that we have some injured players and others in the national team. We will do our best to form a team for next Wednesday.

The second leg against São Paulo will be next Wednesday, in Morumbi. Flamengo needs to win by two differences to advance to the semifinal. A simple victory leads to a penalty shoot-out. Before, next Saturday, at 9:30 p.m., Flamengo will face Atlético-GO, in Maracanã, for the Brazilian.

Other excerpts from the interview:

I think Hugo is a great goalkeeper. His future is exceptional in Flamengo and beyond, in the Brazilian team. I saw his first game, against Palmeiras. It happens, it’s football. It could be easier. It is a risk that failed. Everything he has done for Flamengo must be balanced, games that avoided defeat. It will continue to work. He’s a great kid.

Hugo is very mature. If I am not going to sleep with defeat, imagine it. First sense of error as a professional goalkeeper. If you want to talk, I’m sure you can express yourself well. The fan has to hug, as he has already proven to be a great goalkeeper.

The posture was what made me the most happy. Very different posture. Bruno Henrique and Gabriel together at the front, as they like best. Vitinho was the best player on the pitch, an exceptional match. Unfortunately Arrascaeta was returning from an injury, like Pedro Rocha. We try to be aggressive. With the defense duo that in my opinion was the best for today’s game.

Frustration with defeat

– The recovery of some players who have been detained for a long time. We need to improve its intensity. I can only praise, not criticize. Flamengo played well. It’s frustrating to come out with defeat as it was. I am happy with the way they performed on the field. If it were three to zero for us, it would be fair, normal. We had a great game.

Projection for the return match

Hard to track tonight. We need to see the physical condition of each one. In addition to the injured, we have those returning from injury. You really can’t physically demand of them. I couldn’t kill the guys from training yesterday. I know that Flamengo needs to win every day. The size requires it. The party he had outside was really cool. We wanted this party inside. Now is the time to mark the path of Flamengo towards the future.

Could Gabigol play longer?

Gabigol is a player who hasn’t played in a long time. He entered the final against Atlético-MG. He was getting tired, he was no longer doing the restoration. From the moment he got tired, I had to make the switch. Arrascaeta was also not exactly aware of his physical situation when I exposed him. I put it in the middle because it is a slightly more comfortable position. That secondary function will take a while to do. There is still a lot of game ahead.

More praise for the players

– Fans can expect the same dedication and desire to win. I appreciate all the support they gave me upon my arrival. One thing the fan will recognize: the attitude of these guys on the field today was fantastic. Let’s try to be prepared for Wednesday’s game in Morumbi. Good field, like here. Goal difference is possible.

How to improve the ball exit?

Improving the ball exit takes time. I cannot make a sudden change in one day. We did this job today, but I can’t change that. I can’t make them train tomorrow, otherwise they won’t play on Saturday. Out of the game we have to work. I prefer that they recover and play. Only those inside are wrong. Who does not make a decision, is never wrong. Could it be simplified? Of course. But experience is also achieved through mistakes.

Greater frustration for not being able to beat São Paulo?

I don’t sleep every day that I can’t win a game. The fuel that moves me is victory. Losing bothers me a lot. But it gives me strength to work and get back on the playing field.

Did you use the memory that the team had from the time of Jorge Jesús?

The memory they had of the recent past and the game model that I worked with in my previous club. It is the way they like to play the most and with more pieces we can do more. More exchanges, more oxygen. We have three players in front, it is difficult to choose two. We have Maia, Arão and Gerson, it is difficult to choose two to play. We went back to the methodology that I saw was successful in Flamengo and it was in my last job, three years ago.

Replacement of Gabigol by Maia

Thiago Maia did not enter the role of Gabigol. I put Arrascaeta aside. I asked him how long he felt he could feel good. I tried to give him the 45 minutes he asked for. That role demands a lot from you. For the time he was detained, he suffered to make the appointment. The solution, with Gabriel tired, was to play Arrascaeta to circulate in the middle and put Maia to protect the descent more. And he has talent. In Lille he played on the side, even as a defense. He is a guy with a lot of technical quality, who can play any role.

Affection of the fans upon arrival at the Maracana

I would like to return the affection of the fans with the victory. I know it is important to them. The investment that was made, the recent bonds. I wish they were here inside the stadium. I hope that in the near future I can offer the results you expect.