|
|
Flamengo Coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo Praises Ronaldinho After Internacional Victory
The Brazil star put off-field problems behind him to score a crucial goal, and his trainer backed the team to carry on and confirm their place in the 2012 Copa Libertadores
29-Nov-2011 7:34:00 AM
By Daniel Edwards
André Portugal/VIPCOMM
Flamengo coach Vanderlei Luxemburgo was delighted with the response of Ronaldinho in his team's win over Internacional on Sunday, after the playmaker's goal proved decisive against the Porto Alegre side.
The former Barcelona and Milan star hit the only goal in a 1-0 victory at home to his outfit's Copa Libertadores rivals, putting the Rio giants into fourth place in Serie A and all but assuring them a place in the South American competition. This came after a tough week for the star, who had made the headlines due to claims that Flamengo had not paid his wages on time.
Speaking after the game, Luxemburgo praised Ronaldinho for not letting off-field strife affect his game, and urged the team to confirm their Libertadores place next week against Vasco.
"We know that this group is very together. They want to take the team into the Libertadores. Ronaldinho, as the leader, called on them to do more," the coach stated to reporters.
"This is still not over. We still have to play the last game, against a rival that is fighting for the title. It is a crucial game and we are still looking for our place [in the Copa]".
Flamengo are three points clear of Inter in the fight for the last place in the competition, but due to the Colorados' superior goal difference would need at least a draw on Sunday to assure themselves qualification.
The former Barcelona and Milan star hit the only goal in a 1-0 victory at home to his outfit's Copa Libertadores rivals, putting the Rio giants into fourth place in Serie A and all but assuring them a place in the South American competition. This came after a tough week for the star, who had made the headlines due to claims that Flamengo had not paid his wages on time.
Speaking after the game, Luxemburgo praised Ronaldinho for not letting off-field strife affect his game, and urged the team to confirm their Libertadores place next week against Vasco.
"We know that this group is very together. They want to take the team into the Libertadores. Ronaldinho, as the leader, called on them to do more," the coach stated to reporters.
"This is still not over. We still have to play the last game, against a rival that is fighting for the title. It is a crucial game and we are still looking for our place [in the Copa]".
Flamengo are three points clear of Inter in the fight for the last place in the competition, but due to the Colorados' superior goal difference would need at least a draw on Sunday to assure themselves qualification.
How do you stay up with football when on the move? With http://m.goal.com –your best source for mobile coverage of the beautiful game.
Make Your Prediction Choose match
Ponte Preta - Flamengo
Ponte Preta
Flamengo
Prediction Submitted
Most Popular Predictions
-
Ponte Preta 1-3 Flamengo
- 14.01 %
-
Ponte Preta 0-2 Flamengo
- 11.49 %
-
Ponte Preta 1-2 Flamengo
- 9.24 %
Inside Goal.Com
-
Vote for your Goal.com World Player of the Week
Have your say on who you think should win Goal.com's weekly honour
-
Euro 2012 a timely respite for depressed Spain
With 24 per cent unemployment, wage cuts and little hope for improvement in the short term, the continental competition will at least take people's minds off their sad situation
-
Welbeck impresses but it's a bad day for Johnson
Ashley Young has also all but secured his place in the starting line up against France while Steven Gerrard put a good shift in. Here's how the Belgium friendly affected the England player's chances of featuring in Euro 2012
-
Five players Rodgers could sign for Liverpool
The new Reds boss was unveiled to the press on Friday and must immediately begin work on revitalising a thin squad with some additions in the transfer market
-
Lambert the latest in EPL manager merry-go-round
The Scot officially left Norwich City on Saturday to become the second new boss in June, following the appointment of Brendan Rodgers at Liverpool on Friday