Author: Soorya G
Bruno Lage, Botafogo’s coach, analyzed the team’s elimination from the Copa Sudamericana against Defensa y Justicia in Buenos Aires. Lage believes that Botafogo were superior throughout the game and deserved better luck. Lage emphasized the importance of not making comparisons based on financial prowess and highlighted missed chances. He expressed disappointment at conceding three goals from crosses and stressed the need to improve their execution. Despite the elimination, Lage recognized the strong character of his players and encouraged the fans to support them.
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In an appeal to the fans, Lage took responsibility for the team’s performance, stating that he was firm in his decisions and asked the fans to continue to love the players. He emphasized the team’s demand for excellence and asked for the fans’ continued support. When asked about the possibility of finding some positive side to the elimination, Lage dismissed any feeling of relief and criticized the scheduling of the Brazilian calendar. He questioned the logic of a crucial match between Botafogo and Flamengo being scheduled for Saturday night, just two days after their elimination from the Copa Sudamericana.
“Great teams can’t lament what they can’t achieve. That’s what we’re doing. The league, regardless of travel or not, is the same as Europe. I’ve played like this before, I’ve played with greater distance at Benfica, being in Russia on a Wednesday and then going back to Portugal. The only criticism I have is that the game (against Flamengo) is on Saturday. A game as important and special as Botafogo and Flamengo being played on a Saturday night two days apart. If our opponent played today, would he play on Saturday? Our question is open” said the former Wolves coach.
Lage said that top teams shouldn’t worry about unachieved goals and cited his own experiences in European leagues, where exhausting schedules were common. However, he did raise valid concerns about the scheduling of the clash with Flamengo, suggesting a double standard in the treatment of matches. The coach’s sentiments reflect a commitment to his team’s aspirations, while at the same time questioning the fairness of the fixture list.
In conclusion, Bruno Lage’s post-elimination analysis was marked by a mixture of disappointment, pride in the character of his players and criticism of the match schedule. He called for unity between fans and players and maintained his demand for high standards, despite the setbacks.