Leonardo Jardim reveals that emotional adjustments and a focus on physical duels were decisive in transforming Flamengo‘s performance in the derby against Fluminense.
Flamengo‘s recent superiority in derbies against Fluminense has deep roots behind the scenes and in the psychological strategy adopted by the coaching staff. Since the arrival of manager Leonardo Jardim, the dynamics of the traditional Rio de Janeiro rivalry have changed drastically, leaving behind the recent history of struggles that the Rubro-Negro faced against their rivals from Laranjeiras.
The turning point began to take shape during the Portuguese coach’s first few days at Mais Querido. Upon analyzing previous clashes, the coaching staff realized that the determining factor to overcome the opponent did not lie solely on tactical boards, but rather on emotional commitment and physical battles on the pitch.
The Mentality Shift at Flamengo
During a press conference, Leonardo Jardim opened up about the conversations he had with the squad before his first decisive match in charge of the team. The primary demand was to match the rival’s intensity in direct challenges for the ball.
Leonardo Jardim stated:
I arrived here four days before the final and had reviewed some derbies from the previous year. I told the group that to face our rival, we needed to match their attitude and effort on the pitch. If we did that, our technical quality would make the difference. Otherwise, it wouldn’t work.
This approach was directly reflected in the results achieved throughout the season. In the Campeonato Carioca final, Flamengo came out on top on penalties after a scoreless draw. In the subsequent rounds of the Brazilian Serie A, this dominance translated into 2-1 and 1-0 victories, crucial results to solidify the team’s sole leadership in the national football standings.
Next Steps and International Stage
With the environment strengthened by consecutive wins on the domestic scene, Rubro-Negro‘s focus now turns entirely to the Copa Libertadores. The Rio club is just a few steps away from reaching the grand continental final, keeping alive the dream of lifting another international trophy.
The first fixture on the road to the final takes place this Thursday (15) at 9:30 PM (Brasília time), when Flamengo visit Estudiantes at the UNO stadium in Argentina. The return leg is scheduled for October 22 at the Maracanã stadium. On the other side of the bracket, Fluminense face Palmeiras, opening up the historic possibility of a decisive clash between the Rio rivals in the final of the South American tournament.
