Four defeats in eight games, two in a row has left reigning champions Flamengo in a rather worrisome position at the moment.
It is indeed a trying period for head coach Rogério Ceni. However, the manager did acknowledge and address the mounting pressure on his head after his side’s 2-1 defeat to Atlético-MG on Wednesday in 10th round of the Brazilian Championship.
Speaking post-match, he was quoted to have said: “I understand all the criticisms. I understand the fans without a doubt. It’s not natural. When you’re at Flamengo, you can’t miss a match in ten days, let alone three”
“The players are working hard and I repeat: it’s the ninth game we’ve had with important absences for the team. These players have worn out and this is a very tough opponent. I understand all the criticisms, the complaints, and I keep doing my job as best I can.”
Asked about the relationship with the players, Ceni claimed all was the same since he arrived at the Nest and made an assessment of the match against Galo. For the coach, it was a balanced game in Belo Horizonte.
“My relationship and my work with the athletes is the same from day one and I feel the same return. Of course, those who play are a little happier. It’s completely natural. But the relationship, the day to day… Everyone saw everyone’s dedication to the victory, it was a very even game, very close. Players are pushing hard for victories.”
Ceni retains the club’s vote of confidence
Regardless of the club’s form at the moment, it is well documented that Ceni retains the full support from the club’s board. Some of the reasons include the fact that they have some absentees due to the Copa America and they believe things could get better with the return of star forward in Gabigol for instance.
Also, the club are not thinking about a change in management at all, especially with the round of 16 of the Libertadores against Defensa y Justicia coming up in exactly a week from now. Sacking Ceni right now could do more harm than good.
