Flamengo have the ‘magic quartet of 2019’ again after almost a year and are confident in the evolution after the return of the duo

Arrascaeta, Everton Ribeiro, Bruno Henrique and Gabigol return to work together for a few minutes in Flamengo after ten months

Reigning Libertadores champions, Flamengo did not start the season well and simply failed to win the five titles of the first quarter of 2023 (World Cup, Recopa, Super Cup, Guanabara Cup and Carioca). However, with the farewell of Vítor Pereira, it will be up to Jorge Sampaoli to try to get the wheels moving again, as it was with Dorival. The Argentine had good news despite a draw with Racing, which was the return of Arrascaeta, who played for 25 minutes.

With this, the coach had the magical quartet (Everton Ribeiro, Arrascaeta, Bruno Henrique and Gabigol) at his disposal, even if only for a few minutes. Both were responsible for the strong offensive sector commanded by Jorge Jesus, which charmed Brazil with titles and the second Libertadores championship, in 2019. At the time, Rubro-Negro had a perfect campaign in the knockout stage and overtaken by Emelec (EQU ), Internacional and Grêmio, up to measuring forces with River Plate in the decision. In the end, an electrifying final with two goals from the current number 10, who this Thursday became the Brazilian with the most goals in the history of the tournament.

It is worth mentioning that the last match in which the four players were together was against Cuiabá, on 15 July 2022. On the pitch, Flamengo won at home 2-0, with goals from Ayrton Lucas and Gabigol, but lost important. Bruno Henrique suffered a multi-ligament injury to his right knee and was out for ten months – he returned on the 16th, in the side’s 3-0 win over Coritiba.

– In terms of injury, I’m very well, I’m improving. The rhythm is still missing to be able to get more and more into physical shape. I’ll get it playing, entering. This is the only way to win back that Bruno Henrique – said the striker.

However, Sampaoli knows that the team needs a positive streak to gain confidence and confirm qualification for the second round of the Libertadores. In May, the team will also have important duels for Brasileiro and two classics against Fluminense, for the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil, which promise to be electrifying and will fill the Maracanã. In the three classics of 2023, the rival got the better of two of them, took the state title and is in a big stage. Something that makes the Rossoneri cast need to regain confidence and balance to move forward.

For this, recovering the good form of the magical quartet is essential to bring a Flamengo with more quality options in the offensive sector and assist Pedro, who has already filled the net in 21 opportunities this season. On the other hand, the captain knows that Arrascaeta and Bruno Henrique have to pick up the rhythm of the game to gradually recover space in the Rio team. The Uruguayan admitted he’s still not 100% after recovering from an adductor injury in his left thigh that sidelined him since 19 March, when he faced Vasco in the semi-final of the Carioca Championship. Bruno Henrique and Arrascaeta are recovered, but need to improve their pace at Flamengo de Sampaoli (Alexandre Vidal / Flamengo)

In the conference, Sampaoli was keen to clarify that the duo is “different” and hopes that both pick up the pace to give the team more offensive volume. With their presence alongside Everton Ribeiro, Gabigol can regain the good football he has shown since 2019 and be more efficient in 2023. How the manager will set up the attacking system remains to be seen, given that Pedro is the team’s top scorer – a ” headache” that every coach would like to have on their teams.

– I think Bruno Henrique should play, add minutes, because he is a very important player for us. There’s a system change, playing with the wings and trying to gain depth on the flanks. I thought he was the right player,” the coach said, and then spoke about the Uruguayan:

– I hope Arrascaeta still plays many minutes. He is a player who makes a lot of difference in a champion Flamengo. He and Bruno Henrique are players who have won a lot and need minutes because they haven’t played for a long time. It’s a joy that [Arrascaeta] he returned to the team to continue to have attack volume – he concluded.

Check the numbers of the magic quartet of Flamengo

Gabriel scored 145 goals and 41 assists in 234 games for Flamengo.

Bruno Henrique scored 79 goals and 45 assists in 189 games for Flamengo

Arrascaeta scored 54 goals and 69 assists in 208 games for Flamengo

Everton Ribeiro has 42 goals and 59 assists in 356 matches for Flamengo

Source: Terra

Rose

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