Experienced players help Jardim as Flamengo plan to manage workloads | OneFootball

Experienced European campaigners have eased Jardim’s start at Flamengo, and the club are drawing up a plan to limit physical strain on senior players.

In his first month, he won the Carioca title, lost only one of eight games and triumphed at altitude in Cusco on his Libertadores bow. President Bap felt it seemed as if he had been in charge for six months.

Jardim has leaned on Danilo, Alex Sandro and Jorginho, who logged 14, 13 and 15 years respectively in Europe and lead a largely young dressing room. Their example fits Flamengo’s drive to professionalise the environment, and they calmed the squad after Filipe Luís’ sacking, paving the way for Jardim’s arrival.

With new routines and a tweaked game model, the trio quickly grasped the ideas and acted as a bridge to team-mates. Club stalwarts Arrascaeta and Bruno Henrique also aided the process.

“These figures have an advantage, which is experience. They have worked under many coaches and understand different ideas with ease. They were very important to my integration. The language of football is universal, and they understood what I wanted simply and clearly,” said Jardim in an interview with Mengocast, Flamengo TV’s podcast.

Saúl has returned to partial training after surgery on his left heel and is set to engage more closely with the coach. The Spaniard spent his entire career in Europe before joining mid last year.

Managing minutes is a priority for the staff, who are coordinating with medical and football departments to protect older players through the campaign. Danilo is a reserve, so naturally plays less.

Alex Sandro and Jorginho are regarded as starters, yet both have muscular injuries. The left-back is back with the group and could be available against Fluminense on Sunday. The pair are likely to be rested in some fixtures to keep them at peak level, especially in the run-in.

Source: Globo.com