Jardim urges Pedro to step up after “simple, direct” chat | 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 (11), 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 strikers in Brazilian football and has shown that over the years. There are two sides to the game, with and without the ball, and he has shown that he can be competent in both. Besides scoring goals, strategically speaking, positioning himself, pressing, and having a more collaborative attitude — said Jardim.

— That’s what he’s been doing because he has the physical ability and understanding of the collective game. He’s not surprising me because I believed from the beginning that we could have a Pedro who is offensive, but also has a defensive role, which all players must have. Nowadays, in modern football, there is no team with a player who only attacks — added the Flamengo coach.

HOW DID PEDRO PERFORM AGAINST CRUZEIRO?

Pedro was on the field for 88 minutes. Just four minutes in, the striker opened the scoring after bravely getting past three Cruzeiro defenders and beating Cássio. In total, the number 9 took two shots, both on target, completed 11 out of 16 attempted passes, 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 (08) against Fluminense, and almost the entire match against Cruzeiro. The derby against the General Severiano team takes place this Saturday (14), 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.