Flamengo player backs Palmeiras on artificial pitch after Maracanã jibes | OneFootball

Flamengo center-back Léo Ortiz defended the Brazilian clubs that chose to adopt synthetic pitches after criticizing the condition of the Maracanã field. Although he did not mention Palmeiras by name, the statement supports the argument used by Verdão to keep the artificial surface at Nubank Parque.

The comments came after Flamengo’s 1-1 draw with Independiente del Valle on Thursday night (17) in the second leg of the Copa Libertadores quarterfinals. The result sent the Rio club through to the competition’s semifinals.

After the match, Léo Ortiz said the condition of natural grass pitches helps explain why different clubs have started investing in artificial surfaces.

— You have to agree with those who want synthetic grass — said the defender

Léo Ortiz defends clubs with synthetic pitches

The center-back pointed out that players struggle to control the ball and produce higher-quality football when a natural pitch does not offer proper conditions.

For Léo Ortiz, the recurring problem of damaged pitches strengthens the argument of clubs seeking a more consistent surface throughout the season.

Palmeiras, Botafogo, Atlético-MG, Athletico-PR, and Chapecoense are among the teams that play in stadiums with artificial pitches. Verdão has used this type of surface at its arena since 2020.

The Nubank Parque pitch is fully synthetic, uses organic infill made of cork and sand, and does not require the application of pesticides or agrochemicals, according to the arena’s environmental information.

Flamengo players criticize the Maracanã

Léo Ortiz was not the only Flamengo player to complain about the Maracanã’s condition. Rossi, Arrascaeta, Lucas Paquetá, Emerson Royal, and other members of the squad also reported difficulties during the match against Independiente del Valle.

Goalkeeper Rossi said the state of the pitch gets worse with every match. Arrascaeta also made strong criticisms and highlighted the difficulty of controlling and carrying the ball.

The Maracanã is managed by the consortium formed by Flamengo and Fluminense. The stadium is facing a packed run of matches and will also host an NFL game on September 27.

The administration is considering a full replacement of the pitch after the event. The procedure would depend on a window of approximately ten days without matches and on favorable weather conditions.

The debate involves Palmeiras and Flamengo

Flamengo has been one of the main critics of synthetic pitches in Brazilian football. Club executives, players, and members of the coaching staff have already expressed concern about differences in performance, ball speed, and injury risk.

Palmeiras, in turn, argues that the Nubank Parque pitch offers consistency and allows matches to be played even with the arena’s schedule of concerts and events.

Léo Ortiz’s statement does not represent an institutional change in Flamengo’s position. The comment, however, acknowledges that the poor maintenance of natural pitches provides arguments for clubs that opted for artificial turf.

Palmeiras will play at the Maracanã in the Libertadores

The condition of the pitch is also of direct interest to Palmeiras. Verdão will face Fluminense at the Maracanã in the first leg of the Copa Libertadores semifinal.

Having posted a better campaign in the group stage, Verdão will decide qualification at Nubank Parque. The matches will be played in the weeks of October 13 and 20, with dates and kickoff times still subject to official confirmation by Conmebol.

Before that clash, the Maracanã will host more matches for Flamengo and Fluminense, in addition to the NFL event. Any eventual replacement of the pitch will have to be completed before the decisive fixtures in October.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.