Despite the away victory, Leonardo Jardim tempers the excitement at Flamengo, warning of player fatigue and the importance of recovery ahead of the upcoming derby and the Libertadores return leg.
Following a crucial 2-0 victory over Independiente del Valle (ECU) at the high altitude of Quito, Flamengo has taken a significant step toward the Copa Libertadores semifinals. The result allows the Rio de Janeiro club to advance even with a one-goal loss in the return leg, which will be played at the Maracanã. However, head coach Leonardo Jardim insisted on tempering the euphoria and highlighted the challenges the team is facing, especially regarding physical fitness amidst an intense run of matches.
The manager emphasized the difficulty of the match in Ecuador, noting the 2,850-meter altitude and the dynamics imposed by the opponent. Jardim‘s caution is aimed at maintaining focus and professionalism, reminding everyone that while qualification is well on track, it is not yet guaranteed and will require maximum attention for the upcoming fixtures.
Match Analysis and Physical Wear
The first half against Independiente del Valle presented obstacles for Flamengo, as Jardim explained:
We had some difficulty in the first half. Because of the game itself, the altitude, and the speed of the ball, but primarily due to their intensity. The opponent managed to keep more of the ball and execute more triangles. We had less possession. We knew it would be a difficult test. It is no coincidence that, from 2020 to today, Flamengo has drawn and lost here twice. It is always a tough game.
The Rubro-Negro strategy adjusted in the second half, taking advantage of a drop in intensity from the Ecuadorian side:
In the second half, we talked about how the opponent would lower their intensity a bit and that we would have more of the ball. With more possession, we stay within our own game and our own dynamics. That is exactly what happened. We ended up being superior in the second half and scored our two goals fairly. We took an important step, but not a decisive one, in the tie.
Jardim added, emphasizing the importance of ball control for the team.
Focus on Recovery and the Squad
The congested schedule is a real concern for the coaching staff. Flamengo returns to the pitch this Sunday, October 13, for a decisive derby against Corinthians in the 27th round of the Brazilian Serie A. The short recovery window of just two days, combined with the long flight back from Ecuador, intensifies the physical challenge for the players.
Jardim detailed the situation:
The fatigue is certainly real; we only have two days of recovery and a long, multi-hour trip. You saw the players’ struggles. There is physical fatigue from running, fighting, and working hard for 90 minutes. Between now and Sunday’s game, it is all about rest. Afterward, we will utilize some players who played less today, or for less time, to try to get them ready for after the Corinthians match.
The coach highlighted the need to manage the squad:
That is why what must make the difference for Flamengo is the squad depth, in a crazy situation like this where we always have to play mid-week, and always with the responsibility to win every match.
With a spot in the Libertadores semifinal well within reach, Flamengo is now focusing its energy on securing the top spot in the Brazilian Serie A. Managing physical fatigue will be crucial for the team’s success in the final stages of both tournaments, requiring tactical intelligence and squad rotation to maintain high performance. The club’s coaching staff, led by Leonardo Jardim, faces the challenge of balancing the ambition for titles with the health and performance of the athletes.
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