Freytes on overcoming criticism: “I worked a lot with my psychologist”

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·27 April 2026

Freytes on overcoming criticism: “I worked a lot with my psychologist”

After dealing with criticism and boos, center back Freytes spoke openly about the situation he has been experiencing at Fluminense. In a press conference after the win over Chapecoense, the defender spoke candidly about the pressure, emphasized the confidence he has received within the club, and highlighted the importance of staying focused on his work.

— It wasn’t a big problem (receiving criticism). On the field, the player doesn’t think, I try to focus on my work. Sometimes I make mistakes, sometimes I get things right. But that doesn’t make me more or less of a player. I believe and trust that you have to work, that your mind has to be in a good place. Millán is an example, he just arrived in Brazil. You have to keep working and wanting the best for Fluminense. Fluminense is more than just one player. Everyone works every day, everyone wants to be a starter. I think the best way is to keep working. No matter if you make mistakes, you have to work even harder — he said.

Next, Freytes also commented on the impact of criticism on social media and reinforced the support he has received within the club. According to him, the backing of coach Luis Zubeldía, the board, and his teammates was essential in getting through that period.

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— It’s good to forget about social media, there are a lot of people there who don’t want the best. You have to work and trust. I was supported by Zubeldía, by my teammates, by the board… that helped me a lot. You have to work and want the best for the group.

In an effort to recover, especially emotionally, the defender revealed that he sought professional help to deal with the situation and stressed the importance of psychological balance in football.

— It’s difficult, there are many things. I had a lot of support at home, at the club… It’s not easy for any player to be criticized and booed. I believe the most important thing is to work. I worked a lot together with my psychologist, and that helped me in many ways.

With more confidence and internal backing, Freytes now hopes to change the atmosphere around him at theMaracanã. Throughout the interview, the center back repeated the same word several times as the recipe for getting through this moment: work.

In the 2026 season, Freytes has made 20 appearances and is one of the players most used by Zubeldía in the Fluminense squad, trailing only goalkeeper Fábio and defensive midfielder Martinelli in number of matches played this year.

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