Léo Ortiz backs case for synthetic pitches after Maracanã criticism | OneFootball

Flamengo centre-back Léo Ortiz defended Brazilian clubs adopting synthetic pitches after criticising the Maracanã surface, a view that echoes Palmeiras’ case for artificial turf. According to Nosso Palestra, he did not mention Palmeiras directly.

His remarks followed a 1-1 draw with Independiente del Valle on Thursday 17 September in the Libertadores quarter-final second leg, a result that put Flamengo into the semi-finals.

Ortiz said poor natural pitches help explain why teams invest in artificial surfaces. He argued that damaged grass hampers ball control and quality, and that recurring issues strengthen the push for a consistent surface across the season.

Team-mates Rossi, Arrascaeta, Lucas Paquetá and Emerson Royal complained about the Maracanã during the match. Rossi said the surface worsens with every game, while Arrascaeta highlighted problems in controlling and carrying the ball.

Several clubs, including Palmeiras, use artificial turf, with Palmeiras adopting it in 2020. Nubank Parque’s pitch is synthetic with cork and sand infill.

Maracanã is run by a Flamengo and Fluminense consortium. With a busy schedule and an NFL game on 27 September, administrators are weighing a full relaying needing about 10 days without matches and fair weather.

Ortiz’s comments do not mark a shift for Flamengo, who have long criticised synthetic pitches, but they acknowledge poor natural surfaces bolster the case for them. Palmeiras face Fluminense at Maracanã in the semi-final first leg, with the return at Nubank Parque in the weeks of 13 and 20 October pending Conmebol confirmation.

Source: Nosso Palestra

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”