Author: Amrit Santlani
Flamengo suffered a 2-0 defeat to Maringá in the first leg of their Copa do Brasil third round tie on Friday, with midfielder Everton Ribeiro making an honest confession about his team after their latest disappointment.
Ribeiro admitted that Maringá were the better team on the day, but also insisted that Flamengo can change their fortunes.
After a 4-1 defeat to arch-rivals Fluminense, a team that saw the Reds lose the second leg of the final of the Rio state championship, Flamengo have now lost three consecutive games (including a 2-1 defeat to Ecuadorian club Aucas in the Copa Libertadores).
Ribeiro, 34, said that only the players themselves have the responsibility to help bring the club back to its former glory.
“(The) moment is difficult. It won’t change overnight. We have to reflect and see what we’re doing wrong. They were superior in many moments of the game, they deserved the win and we were far below what we can (do)“, said Everton, while talking to Prime Video.
“We have to improve, talk less, see what we did wrong. Work hard to get back to winning ways. Only we can reverse this situation, which is not compatible with Flamengo’s level of investment and demand” he added.
After a tumultuous season so far, Flamengo will need to score at least three goals against Maringá in the second leg of the Copa do Brasil to avoid penalties. The next match is scheduled for April 26 at their iconic Maracanã stadium.
The team began preparing in Rio de Janeiro for the Brasileirão opener on Thursday, with Flamengo hosting Coritiba in the first game of the season.