Zico highlights Maracanã pitch issues, leaves Jogo das Estrelas unconfirmed after Flamengo complaints | OneFootball

The state of the Maracanã pitch dominated discussion after Flamengo reached the Libertadores semi-finals on Thursday 17. According to Coluna Do Fla, Zico addressed the issue at the Libertadores Experience event on Saturday 19.

He acknowledged the surface is not in ideal condition and, as a result, has not confirmed staging the traditional Jogo das Estrelas. In a lighter aside, he joked that compared with his playing days, today’s turf feels like a carpet.

Players from Flamengo and Fluminense have been critical for some time, but the complaints intensified on Thursday 17. After the match against Del Valle, Rossi, Léo Ortiz and Emerson Royal spoke out in post-game interviews, saying the pitch worries them because it hinders Flamengo’s style.

Beyond the congested schedule, the surface will also be adapted for an NFL, American football, game next week, creating uncertainty over how it will hold up.

Even so, Flamengo are preparing for their final Maracanã outing before the FIFA international break. They face Red Bull Bragantino at 18:30 Brasília time on Sunday 20 in the Brasileirão.

Source: Coluna Do Fla

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