Filipe Luís defends selection, says Boto shapes Flamengo squad amid gap debate | OneFootball

Filipe Luís defended his call to use Jorge Carrascal as a false nine in Flamengo's 1-0 Recopa defeat at Lanús, adding that squad construction is the remit of director José Boto.

Despite plenty of movement, Flamengo created little. Everton Cebolinha produced the only clear first-half threat, and a defensive lapse allowed Rodrigo Castillo to secure a 1-0 home win at El Fortaleza. According to Coluna Do Fla, the coach had surprised by starting Everton Cebolinha, Arrascaeta, Luiz Araújo and Carrascal.

He said he opted to play without a specialist number nine, stressing that Boto plans and assembles the squad, though he is involved in discussions.

He maintained Pedro and Arrascaeta can play together, yet felt they were not at the ideal physical level for the game he anticipated.

He explained that this drove the tactical variation, then he sought to adjust by introducing Pedro. He accepted the game did not go as expected and that criticism of his choice would be fair, saying he acted in what he believed was best for the team.

Flamengo must win by two next Thursday, 26, to lift the Recopa Sudamericana. A one-goal victory would take it to penalties, while Lanús need only a draw.

Source: Coluna Do Fla