Author: Vishwajit Sawant
After a disappointing 1-0 defeat to São Paulo at the Maracanã, Flamengo find themselves in a challenging position in the final of the Copa do Brasil. To win the title, the team from Rio de Janeiro must secure an away win. Everton Ribeiro, reflecting on the defeat, acknowledged the difficulties the team faced and emphasized the need to improve in order to recover.
“It’s a time when we’re really struggling to create moves, make substitutions and much more. However, we are still encountering difficulties. We have to work hard this week. We also have an important game in midweek (against Goiás) to use as an opportunity to gain confidence. We need to win to get to Sunday and try to turn this situation around” said Everton Ribeiro after the match.
Despite the challenges, Ribeiro remained optimistic, saying: “It’s difficult, but it’s not impossible. We have quality and we have players who are used to facing these moments. Let’s come together to improve what needs to be improved and try to reverse this result.“
The second leg of the Copa do Brasil final is scheduled for next Sunday at the Morumbi Stadium. Before that, Flamengo face Goiás on Wednesday in the Brasileirão. When asked if there was enough time to make the necessary changes, Everton Ribeiro expressed his confidence, saying: “There’s time, there’s time. Think positive, work hard, and let’s go for this turnaround.” Everton Ribeiro himself came on as a substitute in the first leg, replacing Victor Hugo at half-time.