How Jardim rebuilt Pedro’s confidence and made him key for Flamengo again | OneFootball

According to Globo.com, Leonardo Jardim quickly made Pedro central to his plans, and the number nine is first choice again. Recent decisive moments have underlined his renewed importance.

Across the last four games he has had a direct hand in three goals. He opened the 2-0 over Cruzeiro, sealed the 3-0 against Botafogo, then set up Paquetá in the 1-1 at Neo Química Arena against Corinthians.

On day one at Ninho do Urubu, Jardim sought out the striker, offering trust and clarity. He knew Pedro’s strengths, asked for tweaks and some team-first sacrifices, while guaranteeing a run.

Pedro has responded, running and moving to provide options, combining and playing as a pivot. His physical metrics have been excellent since pre-season, when he hit his best numbers, and he has completed two full matches under Jardim, with only late changes in others.

He is Flamengo’s top scorer this season with eight, and in the Brasileirão he has two, level with Samuel Lino. One more goal will take him to 161, equalling Gabigol as the club’s century leading scorer and making him sixth on the all-time list.

His role is vital, especially as the club will not sign another centre-forward in the state championships window that closes this week. Recruitment is planned for the second half of the year, leaving young Wallace Yan as his only rival until then.

Source: Globo.com