Fabio Matias analyzes Junior Barranquilla, praises Carlos Bacca, but stresses: ‘Botafogo has to be a predominant team’

After confirming the Rio Cup title, the Botafogo now turns full focus to the debut in the group stage of the LibertadoresWednesday, against the Junior Barranquilla. Interim coach of the team, Fabio Matias made an analysis of the Colombians, current national champions.

– It is a well-organized team, which has a possession control game, which has an interesting offensive game. Like all teams, they have positives and negatives. I always tell players that we will study our opponents, but our ability to act and not react to the game has to be the main thing. We have to be a predominant team and our opponent will have to adapt to our context – said Matias to “Botafogo TV”.

The interim black and white coach also praised the experienced center forward Carlos Bacca, aged 37, who played for 10 years in Europe, having worn the shirts of Milan, Sevilla and Villarreal. The player has scored seven goals in 14 games this season.

– He is a great striker, who has refined movements, a very good finishing ability, but all of this is passed on to our athletes, the individual details. We pass who will mark who, in which sector of the field… But, I repeat. We have to be a predominant team, that dominates the game, controls the game. Playing at home, that’s what the fans expect – he said.

Finally, Fabio Matias thanked the support he has received from black and white fans on the streets and on social media.

– This recognition is very good, it’s a nice change. Sometimes you go to the mall, fans come, kids wanting to take a photo, it’s cool, but this life as a pop star isn’t for me (laughs). I thank the Botafogo fans for the messages. The more energy you can get, the better. The fans can know that the player will give his all on the field, from the first to the last minute – he highlighted.