Flamengo praise Cruz Azul’s strengths, admit Club World Cup edge | OneFootball

Everton Cebolinha and Michael from Flamengo spoke about Wednesday's game (10) in Qatar

Filipe Luís assigned the 'homework', and the players studied. When asked about how Cruz Azul (MEX) plays, Everton Cebolinha and Michael showed that they know the Concacaf champion well, their opponent this Wednesday (10) in Qatar, for the Club World Cup.

— I’ve had this experience of facing a Mexican club in the World Cup and I was happy. They are physically strong, fast teams, and we are well prepared. In these days we had, Filipe (Luís) worked hard on this so we wouldn't be surprised. We are focused and believe we will have an excellent world cup — said Everton Cebolinha, recalling a goal for Grêmio against Pachuca (MEX) in the 2017 World Cup.

— (Cruz Azul) is a very intense, very strong team, but we have been preparing well since Brazil, and we will be very focused tomorrow (Wednesday). We arrive more confident after winning two titles of the magnitude we achieved, we were able to travel a bit earlier, which also helps with adapting to the time zone. We are well physically and mentally. Having anticipated the trip already gives us an advantage. They traveled later, so that is a difficulty for them — he added.

FORMER OPPONENT, DOES MICHAEL SEE FLAMENGO IN A DIFFERENT MOMENT?

Apart from the Club World Cup, Flamengo last competed in a World Cup at the beginning of 2023, after winning the Libertadores in 2022. However, on that occasion, the memory is not good for the Flamengo fan. After all, the Beloved fell to Al Hilal (SAU) in the semifinals, which had Michael. Now at Mengão, the winger shares what he sees differently in the Beloved compared to two years ago.

— I think at that moment they (Flamengo) didn’t arrive in the right way, many things influenced it. But what I can say is different is that this year, we are all motivated, all training, giving our best… Internally, we are well. We have a great group of players, we have a well-integrated group. I won’t say it’s the best possible group, but we are fighting for it. Those who don’t play, those who do… Everyone wants to help each other. I think that’s different — stated the forward, who added:

— It’s not difficult to win, it’s difficult to keep winning. Being there every day wanting to win, that’s hard. And what’s different is this: these athletes want to win more, they want more. It’s not easy to just win one of the biggest titles in our country and still want to win more. There’s that will, that extra desire. So I think that’s important and I think that’s what makes the difference — highlighted Michael.

WHAT ELSE DID CEBOLINHA AND MICHAEL SAY IN THE INTERVIEW?

CEBOLINHA

“We train every day based on the next game. So we have been training, we have been working for this game. I think we are getting what needs to be fixed right, the last details. And it’s not about doing a lot of different things, we don’t need to change much. We need to enhance what is working. And that’s what we have to focus on.”

“It’s pleasurable (to live this routine of decisions), it’s a privilege. At the beginning of the year, our intention was this, to have a very full calendar and reach the end of the year deciding titles. We are celebrating and now being able to compete in a World Cup, another one with the Flamengo jersey, it’s a great privilege to be here, but we know we have the conditions to leave here as champions.”

MICHAEL

“Unfortunately last year, at my best moment, I had a very serious injury, and there are remnants when returning, even for confidence, thinking you won’t return in the best physical shape. I have prepared well, it coincided with me being in my best shape in these decisive moments, both physically, mentally, and technically. The team benefits from this. I am prepared for whatever comes, whether starting or coming in during the matches, I will always give my best.”

WHERE TO WATCH FLAMENGO VS CRUZ AZUL?

With Cebolinha and Michael available to Filipe Luís, Flamengo faces Cruz Azul this Wednesday (10). The match kicks off at 2 PM (Brasília time), with Globo broadcasting it across Brazil on open TV. Additionally, SporTV (cable channel), GETV, and CazéTV (streaming) will show the match.

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