Flamengo defender Léo Pereira expressed dissatisfaction with the Maracanã pitch quality after the victory over Cruzeiro, pointing out technical drawbacks to the team’s playing style.
Flamengo’s 2-1 victory over Cruzeiro last Wednesday (19th) secured the team’s spot in the Libertadores quarterfinals. However, the celebratory mood gave way to specific complaints about the stadium’s structural conditions.
Defender Léo Pereira, a key figure in the Flamengo defense, did not hold back his criticism of the current state of the Maracanã pitch. According to the player, the uneven surface has been a constant obstacle for a team aiming to impose an offensive, ball-control style of play.
Impact on technical performance
The defender’s analysis goes beyond personal discomfort, focusing on the collective detriment to both teams. When striving for a passing game, the quality of the playing surface becomes a decisive factor for pass accuracy and effective finishing.
“One of the things that hinders us a lot is the pitch. You just have to go out there and see that the pitch is in very bad condition for both teams. For Flamengo, a team that dictates play, that wants to play, when we get close to the goal, it’s clear that despite all the quality, there will be missed shots, weak shots.”
Flamengo’s resilience
Despite the criticism, the Equipe M360 player emphasized that the Flamengo squad remains focused on building plays. The defender highlighted the group’s ability to persevere even in unfavorable circumstances, valuing the attitude of pursuing positive results at all costs.
“Their goalkeeper also deserves credit for saving the shots. But I think we are on the right track. Despite this difficulty in scoring goals with our finishing, we are creating chances, we are insisting, and we are winning.”
Schedule and maintenance
The Maracanã will undergo a rest period soon, as the local calendar will have a break for the pitch after the match between Fluminense and Remo, scheduled for this Saturday (22nd). Flamengo, meanwhile, will shift focus and concentrate its energy on the next challenge in the Campeonato Brasileiro (Brazilian Serie A).
The team from Gávea will take the field again this Saturday (22nd) at 8:30 PM (Brasília time) to face Cruzeiro at the Mineirão stadium for the 24th round. The team continues to monitor definitions from the CBF (Brazilian Football Confederation) regarding postponed games, such as the match against Mirassol, while maintaining its fight for the top positions in the standings.
