Filipe Luís celebrates qualification in Porto Alegre and points to Flamengo in 'reconstruction'

Coach Filipe Luís pointed out that Flamengo's 2-0 victory over Internacional this Wednesday in Porto Alegre and qualification for the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores were very important in giving confidence and credibility to a group that is being rebuilt.

"The group of players is reinventing itself. It was very important to give it strength and credibility. It's always difficult to play against Internacional, and it's very difficult for them not to shoot at your goal," said the red-and-black coach in a press conference.

Filipe Luís cited the presence of Uruguayan Arrascaeta as one of the reasons for the team's "extremely great" performance. "The opponent has weapons, they have great players. The big change compared to the first game was Arrascaeta's return and also some tactical adjustments."

The Flamengo coach came to the defense of his colleague Roger Machado, whose work at the helm of the Rio Grande do Sul team is being heavily criticized. He preferred not to draw comparisons with their work. "Roger is much more of a coach than I am."