Maracanã pitch repaired ahead of Flamengo v Botafogo derby after complaints | OneFootball

The Maracanã pitch has undergone remedial work this week after player complaints, with repairs aimed at Sunday’s Flamengo v Botafogo derby in the Brasileirão.

UOL reports that August’s maintenance, with another round scheduled in September, was also planned to meet NFL requirements as the league stages an international game at the stadium next month.

The Fla-Flu consortium, which runs the venue, used the fixture break to target damaged areas, including the north goalmouth. The works began after Fluminense v Remo on Saturday, the last match played there.

Flamengo defender Léo Pereira was among those to criticise the surface, arguing the condition of the pitch hinders their proactive style and can lead to weak or wayward finishing.

Flamengo and Fluminense also vetoed Vasco’s request to host Vitória at the Maracanã in the Copa do Brasil, citing a pre-agreed technical recovery schedule for the turf.

Fluminense are set to return to the stadium for the derby against Vasco on five September.

Source: Globo.com

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