Coach Leonardo Jardim explained the decision to start Lucas Paquetá, admitting the midfielder’s performance fell short of expectations.
The strategy adopted by Leonardo Jardim in the decisive Copa Libertadores clash against Independiente del Valle sparked debate among Flamengo fans. By choosing Lucas Paquetá in the midfield, leaving Uruguayan Giorgian de Arrascaeta on the bench, the coach sought a more physical presence to counter the Ecuadorian opponent’s aggression, but the plan did not yield the desired effect on the field.
Paquetá‘s performance at the Maracanã was marked by technical inconsistencies, misplaced passes, and a lack of connection with the red-and-black’s offensive system. The most tense moment occurred when the number 20, already on a yellow card after a rough tackle, flirted with a red card, prompting the Portuguese manager to make a substitution early in the second half to preserve the team’s tactical organization.
The Coach’s Analysis of Paquetá
After the match, Leonardo Jardim detailed the tactical reasons behind his choice and acknowledged that the player’s individual performance did not reach the expected level. The coach also projected how he sees the player’s ideal positioning within Mengão‘s current formation.
“We all knew they would come out more aggressively, so the idea was to put Paquetá in because he is more physical, thinking about duels at the edge of the box. That didn’t happen. In Portugal, there’s a saying that you only know if melons are good after you open them. He didn’t play to his full potential. Thank God we have a squad where if one player isn’t doing well, we have another ready.”
The coach also compared the midfielder’s role to his previous experiences in European football, primarily defining him as a second defensive midfielder.
“In the English Championship, he played a lot in the corridor and as a midfielder. But there, he didn’t play for a team that dictated the play, but rather one that was reactive. I see him as a midfielder who can play other positions. But his primary role is as a midfielder. I think he’s a second defensive midfielder, like Jorginho and Saúl.”
Impact of Arrascaeta’s Introduction
The substitution of Paquetá for Arrascaeta in the 14th minute of the second half was crucial for Flamengo‘s fate in the continental competition. The Uruguayan brought the necessary creativity and, in the 39th minute, secured the 1-1 draw that sealed the team’s qualification for the next stage. The decisive performance reinforced the importance of the number 14 in the squad led by the M360 Team.
With qualification secured, Flamengo now shifts its focus to the Copa Libertadores semifinals. The challenge will be against Estudiantes from Argentina. The first leg will take place on Argentine soil, while the decider for a spot in the grand final will be at the Maracanã. The winner of this matchup will face the victor of the Palmeiras vs. Fluminense tie in the single-match final, which will be held in Montevideo on November 28.
