Flamengo focus on cutting ‘avoidable goals’ and seek first clean sheet after four games | OneFootball

Flamengo have used a free week to tighten up defensively before Sunday’s derby with Botafogo at the Maracanã, aiming to halt a four-game run of conceding.

According to Globo.com, the focus this week was on collective defensive adjustments. Despite having the Brasileirão’s second-best defensive record, 21 conceded in 23 rounds, behind Palmeiras on 20, Flamengo have kept only 17 clean sheets in 50 matches in 2026.

They have shut out only Vitória, a 2-0 home win on 9 August, across the last seven. Since then they have conceded in three meetings with Cruzeiro, including a 1-1 draw and a 2-1 defeat at the Mineirão, and in a 5-1 win over Mirassol at the Maião.

Goalkeeper Rossi, criticised recently for shots from distance, underlined that defending is collective and tailored to each opponent, with tweaks made game by game. He said late lapses can reflect mental fatigue and that concentration must last 90 to 100 minutes.

Full-back Danilo said the side must cut out avoidable goals, noting champions usually have strong defences. He urged shared responsibility, starting at the back, and more pressure on the ball carrier, saying the group have analysed and worked on fixes this week.

Coach Jardim is without injured trio Alex Sandro, Vitão and De la Cruz for the derby. Kick-off is at 16:00 Brasília time.

Source: Globo.com

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