Odair Hellmann says Athletico ready for Maracanã challenge | OneFootball

Even after a long period without official matches, coach Odair Hellmann stated that Athletico-PR is arriving prepared to face Fluminense this Sunday at Maracanã, for the 2026 Brasileirão, and emphasized the need for a high-level performance to seek victory.

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Break without matches becomes an advantage

Without taking the field since the draw with Bragantino on February 25, Athletico had an unusual gap in the calendar after missing out on the final of the Campeonato Paranaense. For Odair, this period was important for the team’s development. “We were able to work on technical, physical, and tactical aspects that matches normally don’t allow. It was a time for acquiring knowledge,” he explained.

The coach emphasized that the break may pay off when the schedule gets tighter. “When matches come in quick succession, there’s hardly any time to train. Now, the team is arriving better prepared,” he added.

Maximum effort required against Fluminense

Currently in eighth place in the Brasileirão, Athletico is in a state of alert after two rounds without a win, with one draw and one loss. Even so, Odair showed confidence for the away match. “We are capable of going to Maracanã, but we need to play at an excellent level,” he stated.

The coach also highlighted the balance of the opponent. “Fluminense is a very complete team, strong offensively and competitive. It will be difficult, but if we play at the highest level, we can win,” he concluded.

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