Vítor Pereira’s “incendiary” strategy for the World Cup

Flamengo in the World Cup | Irregular performances in the Carioca Championship, scars from the second place in the Super Cup for Palmeiras, and a coach starting work at the head of the group.

Faced with this scenario of uncertainties, the Flamengo expects to adopt on the field the ‘incendiary spirit’, mentioned by coach Vitor Pereira, to overcome Al Hilal, this Tuesday, at 16h, for the semifinals of the Club World Cup, in order to guarantee himself in the decision of the tournament.

“Fighting for titles ignites the player from within. It’s a unique experience. I want a team ready to overcome any difficulty in pursuit of that objective, which is the classification.”

The semifinal, seen as a trial by fire for players and coaching staff, takes place in Tangier, Morocco, and will serve to challenge the breath of cariocas. In this Monday’s press conference, Vitor Pereira spoke of the difficulties of the lack of time to prepare the team and also of the physical part.

“When I took over, I knew about the challenge and the adjustments are being made We adjusted the team to make the mark in the high block when necessary, in the middle block as well and, when we are attacked, we defend ourselves in the low block to get out of the pressure As for the physical part , we are evolving. Today, we are better than a week ago and so on”, commented the Portuguese coach.

Flamengo’s defensive system is a concern

Team leader and pillar of the defensive system, David Luiz returns to play in a Club World Cup final after just over a decade. In 2012, he defended Chelsea, from England, and suffered the runner-up in the competition for the team from São Paulo. Now, with Flamengo, he hopes to write a different ending. However, before talking about a probable decision, the focus is on Al Hilal.

“Nobody here expects it to be easy. Al Hilal has been at the top for a long time and I always say that, more difficult than winning, it is to remain among the best. We had a victorious end to the year and I want to continue to win. pass through the semifinal. The dream of the world title started in the first Libertadores game last year. Therefore, this semifinal is our decision”, commented the defender.

The defensive system has been the target of concern not only for the coach, but also for the Carioca fans. Vítor Pereira himself has already detected this deficiency, which drew more attention after the 4-3 defeat by Palmeiras, in the Super Cup final.

“We have to defend with the ball. This team has many players with an offensive vocation. We have to become stronger and more consistent defensively so that the team has more balance”, said the coach.

If from the middle to the front, the team is defined with Pedro as a reference in the attack and Everton Ribeiro, Arrascaeta and Gabriel Barbosa in the role of creating and executing the moves, when it comes to making the team strong defensively, doubts gain strength. Starting with the sides. On the left side, the doubt is between the experience of Filipe Luís and the vigor of Ayrton Lucas. On the other hand, Varela was unable to establish himself and has Matheuzinho’s shadow for the position.

But it is in the midfield that the problems challenge the strategy to be used. With João Gomes traded, Gerson (repatriated from Olympique, France) was unable to get the position right in the defensive part alongside Thiago Maia.

Remnants of 2019 are Flamengo’s triumphs in the World Cup

Gerson, Arrascaeta and Everton Ribeiro in midfield. Felipe Luís on the left side and Gabriel Barbosa on the attack. This is the quintet that can help coach Vitor Pereira to take Flamengo to a Club World Cup final again. Together, they overcame the same Al-Hilal in 2019, also in the semifinal, by 3-1, and guaranteed a presence in the decision against Liverpool

This list could have even one more member, since Rodrigo Caio is currently on reserve. After a year marked by recovery from surgery, the defender is currently part of the group and is working to return to the starting lineup.

For Vitor Pereira, however, now is the time to join forces to achieve this goal. And in this process of seeking a milder climate, the commander spoke about the importance of being at the head of a team like Flamengo.

“The motivation and the responsibility are very big. We are representing South America and also our fans. We are going to work to make them happy”, he commented.

David Luiz also spoke about the public expectation for the duel with Al Hilal. “Flamengo fans have always represented us wherever they were. And there are also Flamengo supporters who live around here. I believe in a full stadium and a great game.”

On the side of Al Hilal, two of the athletes who will be on the field are old acquaintances of the fans. Cuellar played for the Gávea team between 2016 and 2019 and was an idol for the fans during this period. Who also had a remarkable passage in the team from Rio de Janeiro is striker Michael. “They are great players, with a great level and we will be attentive so there are no surprises”, said David Luiz.