Varela puts the onus on Filipe Luís in Flamengo ‘battle’ | OneFootball

Royal took over the starting position at right-back when Varela got injured with the Uruguayan National Team

The right-back Guillermo Varela participated in a press conference this Monday (03) at Flamengo's training center. On the occasion, the athlete explained how he lost his starting spot to Emerson Royal.

— I had to stop for a while because I had a pubic injury and needed a break. That's also why I didn't go to the FIFA Date —, stated the Uruguayan at Ninho do Urubu, adding that:

— Then I returned and trained differently, separated from the team, I wasn't 100% ready, and that's why the coach made another choice. Later, I returned with the squad, both of us training, and then it's up to the coach who he wants to play, it depends on the match, he will make the choice —, he highlighted.

How is the competition between Varela and Royal?

In the last 11 matches of Flamengo, Varela was on the bench for seven. However, the Uruguayan player was a starter in both semi-final clashes against Racing (ARG). His participation was important for Rubro-Negro's qualification to the final.

Meanwhile, the newcomer Royal saw Varela's absence as an opportunity. That's because he only missed one of the last 10 games for Flamengo. Thus, the defender made few mistakes in his performances.

Are both ready for Flamengo's next match?

Thus, amid the competition between Varela and Royal for the right-back position, Flamengo faces São Paulo this Wednesday (05). The match takes place from 9:30 PM (Brasília time) at Vila Belmiro.

The clash, valid for the 32nd round of the Brazilian Championship, will be covered by Coluna do Fla. Additionally, Rede Globo, on open channel, and Premiere, on pay-per-view, will broadcast the match.

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