Jardim hails Flamengo’s last-16 spot, rues Pedro’s World Cup snub, eyes Palmeiras on Saturday | OneFootball

Flamengo beat Estudiantes 1-0 at the Maracanã to book a place in the Libertadores last 16, and could even finish as overall leaders. Head coach Leonardo Jardim welcomed the result and immediately turned attention to Saturday’s top-of-the-table meeting with Palmeiras in the Brasileirão.

According to Globo.com, Jardim said the aim is to win at home, impose their approach and recover well for the game. He noted that a positive recent record against Palmeiras will not guarantee anything.

Explaining the plan against Estudiantes, he anticipated the visitors would attack down the flanks and targeted defensive frailties there by placing more attacking players in wide areas. Jorginho offered cover alongside Ayrton on the left, which balanced the shape and freed Bruno Henrique to stay wide. Flamengo were superior after the interval and Pedro struck the winner.

Jardim also compared Pedro to a former Manchester United forward, and regretted the striker’s omission from Brazil’s World Cup squad. Pedro had hoped for a call from Carlos Ancelotti on Monday, but was not included.

Flamengo face Palmeiras at 21:00 Brasília time on Saturday at the Maracanã. Palmeiras lead the Brasileirão with 35 points, with Flamengo second on 31.

Source: Globo.com