Jardim: “Simple, direct” chat with Pedro, urges him to step up | OneFootball

Leonardo Jardim gave a press conference after Flamengo’s victory over Cruzeiro

In the two matches under the command of Leonardo Jardim, Pedro has shown a different attitude. More intense and more involved, the number 9 scored a goal in the 2-0 victory over Cruzeiro this Wednesday (11th) at Maracanã. Asked about his conversation with the number 9, the coach revealed it during the press conference at Maracanã.

— The conversation was very simple and direct with Pedro. He is one of the best forwards in Brazilian football and has shown that over the years. There are two sides to the game, with the ball and without the ball, and he has shown that he can be competent. Besides scoring goals, strategically, he positions himself, presses, and has a more collaborative attitude — said Jardim.

— That’s what he’s been doing because he has that capacity, both physically and in his understanding of the collective game. He’s not surprising me because I believed from the start that we could have a Pedro who is offensive, but also has a defensive role, which all players need to have. Nowadays, in modern football, there isn’t a single team with a player who only attacks — added the Flamengo coach.

HOW DID PEDRO DO AGAINST CRUZEIRO?

Pedro was on the field for 88 minutes. Just four minutes in, the striker opened the scoring after fighting his way past three Cruzeiro defenders and beating Cássio. In total, the number 9 took two shots, both on target, completed 11 out of 16 passes attempted, and recovered three balls.

WILL HE PLAY AGAINST BOTAFOGO?

Now, there is anticipation to see if Pedro will play against Botafogo. After all, the number 9 played for 72 minutes on Sunday (8th) against Fluminense, and almost the entire match against Cruzeiro. The derby against the team from General Severiano takes place this Saturday (14th) at Engenhão, starting at 8:30 p.m. (Brasília time).

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