Léo Pereira opens up on 'frustration' in Flamengo's 2022 Libertadores win | OneFootball

Léo Pereira explained how he changed his mindset to shine at Flamengo and make it to the World Cup

Léo Pereira's life at Flamengo has had its ups and downs. If in 2020 the center back was struggling with criticism from the fans, today the defender is a club idol and has been called up by the Brazilian National Team for the World Cup. The No. 4's change in mindset was key to his rise.

One example given by Léo Pereira is Flamengo's last two Libertadores titles. In the 2022 final against Athletico-PR, the center back went in under pressure and afraid of making mistakes. Against Palmeiras last year, however, the No. 4 enjoyed every moment on the pitch and had fun wearing the Sacred Shirt.

WHAT DID LÉO PEREIRA SAY?

— Something changed — I don’t know at what point in my life — but something changed, and I started enjoying the moments more. I’ve said this in other interviews, and it’s a very important point for me. Because, for example, in 2022 I played in the Libertadores final against Athletico Paranaense and I couldn’t enjoy the match, I didn’t take it in, I don’t have memories of it like I do of this final, for example, against Palmeiras —, said Léo Pereira.

— So I have two completely different scenarios in my head. Against Palmeiras, to this day I remember the reactions from the fans, the coach, my teammates at the end of the game… There’s the play where Danilo stops Vitor Roque right in front of me, there are several flashes in my mind, because it was a match I was able to enjoy, take in — I was there just soaking up that moment —, added the center back.

— Before, I couldn’t do that. I put a lot of pressure on myself just to show, to show my best, to perform all the time. I couldn’t enjoy it. Then suddenly I thought: ‘wow.’ I still demand a lot from myself today, but now I’m able to enjoy it much more. After the game is over, then I’ll judge myself. During the game, I try to really enjoy it —, he concluded in an interview with FlamengoTV.

WILL HE ENJOY THE FIFTH TITLE?

Now, Léo Pereira is 'vaccinated' for a possible fifth title for Flamengo. The team has already secured a place in the round of 16 and is waiting for the draw next Friday (29). Before that, though, the focus has shifted to the Brasileirão. This Saturday (23), Mengão faces league leaders Palmeiras at the Maracanã at 9:30 PM (Brasília time).

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