Flamengo prioritise rest, rotate and balance Brasileiro and Libertadores demands | OneFootball

According to Globo.com, Leonardo Jardim had only one training day before Brasileiro leaders Flamengo host Corinthians at the Maracanã on Sunday at 17:30 Brasília time. After a Libertadores win at altitude, rest and rotation take priority.

Before returning to Rio, the Portuguese coach signalled changes for the 27th round. The squad were so drained from Quito that Friday became a day off. Starters recovered, reserves trained, and selection hinges on individual condition.

Lucas Paquetá, Plata, Danilo and Varela could gain minutes. Varela felt discomfort after Mirassol and still featured in Quito, if fit he starts. Pedro, a Libertadores substitute, is favoured up front.

To limit wear, Flamengo paired the Belém and Quito trip for altitude adaptation and lighter travel, arriving in Rio on Friday morning. After Independiente del Valle, media duties were held pitchside to avoid stairs at 2,850 metres. Jorginho, Ayrton Lucas, Arrascaeta and Samuel Lino looked spent.

Jardim said fatigue was significant, with only two recovery days and a long journey, so rest comes first. He noted those who played fewer minutes would help the group recover after Corinthians. He believes squad depth must tell amid constant midweek games and the demand to win.

After Corinthians, Flamengo play Independiente del Valle and Bragantino at the Maracanã, then an extended FIFA window offers extra rest and training. The downside is call-ups, with Pedro and Samuel Lino confirmed for Brazil. Jorginho is on Italy’s provisional list, and Plata, Carrascal, Arrascaeta, Varela, De la Cruz and possibly Valencia await decisions.

Source: Globo.com

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