Bruno Henrique on veteran role at Flamengo, ‘rules out’ Benfica friendly | OneFootball

Flamengo forward spoke to the press this Friday (10)

Flamengo face Benfica (POR) this Saturday (11) in a friendly match for the Algarve Trophy, in Portugal. Bruno Henrique, one of the squad’s standouts, previewed the clash and reinforced the responsibility of the more experienced players to guide the young talents during the mid-season break.

Responding to reporter Rock Hudson, from Coluna do Fla, during a press conference this Friday (10), the No. 27 spoke about the squad full of promising players. He highlighted the duty to share technical and tactical guidance to help the youngsters adapt.

FRIENDLY MATCH AGAINST BENFICA?

In addition, the forward played down the friendly nature of the clash with Benfica. The match marks the debut of the Portuguese team’s new coach, has a trophy at stake, and will be played in a packed stadium.

So, the Rubro-Negro squad is looking to stay professionally focused for this commitment. According to Bruno Henrique, Flamengo are treating the match seriously, regardless of the format of the competition.

“In the first game against River I spoke to the group. We are professionals, regardless of what comes next, whether it’s a friendly or a championship match today. We have to deal with it in the best way possible. Against Benfica, there’s a trophy on the line, so we’re going to go into it the same way we did against River Plate and against the Swiss team as well,” he said, before adding:

“I think our mid-season period with Benfica ahead of us will be a very good game. We’re training hard, carrying out our objectives on the pitch, so we can also arrive in good shape for this second part of the season. Facing Benfica in this last game here in Portugal will be very important for our progress and for our run through the year,” he said.

READ OTHER ANSWERS FROM BRUNO HENRIQUE:

IMPORTANCE OF THE MID-SEASON PERIOD IN PORTUGAL

“I think the positive is that we’re training well and doing what the coach asks. We want to achieve our objectives at the end of the year, regardless of whether the 10 absences are there or not. Everyone who came here came with the intention of giving their best and helping Flamengo arrive in good shape for the next half of the season.”

PORTUGUESE COACHES AT FLAMENGO

“Jardim is similar to the other Portuguese coaches as well, like when I worked with Jorge Jesus. They are charismatic people who give us every condition to do our job on the pitch. He’s a guy who has the full support of our group.”

FANS’ CONFIDENCE THAT BRUNO HENRIQUE WILL DECIDE GAMES

“That’s really about confidence, knowing that I have the fans’ backing in big matches, and that I can show up again and help the team.”

PLANNING A SPECIAL CELEBRATION IF HE SCORES AGAINST BENFICA

“No, I think what happened against River Plate was really just letting off steam. It’s a friendly match, so a normal celebration. Of course, if I score tomorrow I’ll celebrate, but in a calmer way, more with the fans.”

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