Lino plays down Leila’s Palmeiras jibes | OneFootball

Samuel Lino played down the war of words with Palmeiras, saying it has no impact on Flamengo’s dressing room after the draw with Vasco at the Maracanã.

As reported by Coluna Do Fla, the rivalry has featured repeated provocations since Danilo’s goal in Lima, with president Leila Pereira and coach Abel Ferreira often raising the subject in interviews.

Lino said it changes nothing inside the squad. Players do not discuss it, although they see comments on social media, and he felt others could concern themselves with the rivalry.

He added that Flamengo’s focus is on playing well and winning. Off-field barbs exist, he said, but the players are concentrating on what they view as more important matters.

Last week, Leila again referred to Flamengo as the “Real Madrid da Shoppe”. Abel has frequently hinted at refereeing favouring Flamengo, and the club’s official account labelled football director José Boto a “chorão”.

Early signs suggest Flamengo and Palmeiras could go head to head for the main trophies. Both won their state titles. In the league Palmeiras lead with one game more, and in the Libertadores Flamengo have seven points to Palmeiras’ five.

Both are in Libertadores action midweek. On Tuesday Palmeiras visit Sporting Cristal in Peru, then on Thursday Flamengo face Independiente Medellín in Colombia.

Source: Coluna Do Fla