Léo Ortiz became a starter with Filipe Luís, but Fabrício Bruno is on Flamengo‘s bench
Flamengo is in the final of the Copa do Brasil largely thanks to its defense. After all, of Rubro-Negro’s eight games in the competition, only once were Mengão’s nets scored. After 0-0 with the Corinthiansat Neo Química Arena, Fabrício Bruno and Léo Ortiz spoke about the main changes in the system with the arrival of coach Filipe Luís.
Fabrício Bruno was a substitute in the coach’s first two matches, against Corinthians and Bahia. However, he played from the beginning against Fluminense and entered the first half this Sunday (20). In response to a question from the Coluna do Fla report, the number 15 revealed that he needs to have a conversation with Filipe Luís to understand what the commander wants.
— I didn’t have that direct conversation with Filipe, right when he arrived, I was out for two games. I played against Fluminense, I came back today. We need to have this conversation to try to understand what is happening or what he wants, what he likes, so I can return to performing the way I have always performed. I am willing to help the club in the best way possible. Playing or joining the game — said Fabrício Bruno, in the mixed area of Neo Química Arena.
SPEAK UP, LÉO ORTIZ
The person who also responded to the Coluna do Fla report was Léo Ortiz. Unlike his position partner, the gaucho became an absolute starter and present in all of Filipe Luís’ lineups. The defender said that the coach demands a lot from the athletes to play without kicks.
— He gives us a lot of freedom to play, try to get out of the pressure, break the pressure. The two defenders and the two midfielders are always close so that we have the quality to come out from behind and break the pressure lines and provide the midfielders and attackers between the lines. He (Filipe) asks them not to come looking for so much, as he knows we have the quality to play and deliver closer to the goal. That’s it and I’m happy with the classification — commented Ortiz.
MAY IT CONTINUE LIKE THIS
This way, without being leaked in both games with the CorinthiansFlamengo will try to repeat the same in the finals of the Copa do Brasil against Atlético-MG. The departure takes place on November 3rd, returning on the 10th of the same month. The order of matches, however, will be defined on Thursday (24), at 3pm (Brasília time), at the headquarters of the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF).
Flamengo’s Defense: The Star of the Copa do Brasil
Ah, Flamengo! A team where the only thing tighter than their defense is the hope of every manager that they won’t face a goalkeeping crisis anytime soon. Léo Ortiz has made quite the impression, becoming a starter alongside veteran Filipe Luís. Meanwhile, Fabrício Bruno, bless him, finds himself warming the bench—like the last slice of pizza at a party that no one wants to touch. You know it’s there, but somehow, nobody’s interested.
Now, let’s talk about the sensational stats: Flamengo’s defense has only conceded once in eight Copa do Brasil games. Don’t you just love it when a team defends like their mother’s life savings is at stake? On a recent game against Corinthians at the Neo Química Arena, they managed to pull off a 0-0 result, which, for football fans, is practically equivalent to a complimentary breadstick before the main course. Not exactly a thriller, but it works for now!
Fabrício Bruno: Seeking Clarity
In one corner, we have Fabrício Bruno, the spare part in this defensive machinery. After two matches sitting on the sidelines, he’s starting to realize that maybe it’s time for a little heart-to-heart with Coach Filipe Luís. It sounds a lot like a teenage sitcom plot: “Hey Coach, let’s talk about the game, or should I bring snacks?” He’s clearly eager to get back in the thick of things—after all, being on the bench could make anyone feel like the equivalent of a reserve goalkeeper in a penalty shootout—important, yet utterly sidelined.
— “I didn’t have that direct conversation with Filipe, right when he arrived. We need to have this conversation to understand what he wants,” Fabrício said. Spot on, mate! When a manager drops you to the bench, it’s always wise to have a chat. It’s like the relationship breakdown nobody wants to have, but everyone knows it’s coming. Come on, guys, communication is key!
Léo Ortiz: Living the Dream
Then we have Léo Ortiz—he’s in a different league. With his swagger and confidence, he’s started every match, becoming what every soccer fan dreams of: the defensive wall that even the most seasoned attackers dread. He’s not just playing; he’s thriving like a houseplant after being moved into the sun.
— “He gives us a lot of freedom to play, breaking the pressure. The two defenders and two midfielders are always close so we can break the lines and provide the midfielders and attackers with those sweet passes,” Ortiz revealed. It’s like a beautiful game of chess where every piece knows it’s role—except perhaps for the rooks; poor things are still figuring out how to move diagonally!
Looking Ahead: The Finals
Now, with that unyielding defense, Flamengo is gearing up for the finals against Atlético-MG. The first match on November 3rd, returning on the 10th. Can they keep it up? Will Fabrício find his groove again? Or will he remain the charming substitute who only makes headlines for his philosophical musings?
With Flamengo’s solid defense, they’re aiming to replicate their stellar “no-goals-conceded” performance in the finals. As any good football fan knows, the upcoming games will be crucial—marching into battle against Atlético-MG will be like a family reunion at Thanksgiving: some will shine, others will clash, and hopefully, no one will leave the field with a plateful of regrets!
Let’s just hope for no dumpster fires in the defensive backline, folks. Good luck, Flamengo! Because like any wise person once said, “Defense wins championships.” Or was it “Save the best for last”? Either way, let’s get this party started!
So, there you have it! We’ve retained all the juicy details while giving it a cheeky spin, just like a good dynamic duo of comedians would do! Cheers!
