Flamengo will stay true to their identity against Chelsea coach Filipe Luis says

PHILADELPHIA - Flamengo manager Filipe Luis vowed on Thursday that his team will remain faithful to their fierce, relentless style as they prepare to face Chelsea in a highly anticipated Club World Cup encounter on Friday.

Flamengo, who top the Brazilian league, will look to end a 13-year winless streak for South American teams against European counterparts. The side enter the match in scintillating form after five consecutive victories in all competitions, including a convincing 2-0 win over Esperance de Tunis in their tournament opener.

Ahead of the match, Filipe Luis emphasized his unwavering belief in his team’s philosophy.

Never give up on your convictions. I have a conviction, a very clear idea of what I think about the game, he told reporters.

I would never, ever change my team because of an opponent. It would be completely and absolutely wrong for the players. We will play the way we have been preparing for eight months.

Filipe Luis has built a Flamengo side that thrive on controlling possession and dictating the tempo of matches. He acknowledged, however, that Fridays clash with Chelsea will require sacrifice and highlighted the importance of an experienced defense featuring former Juventus fullbacks Danilo and Alex Sandro against the Premier League sides quality.

Experience always helps because these elite clubs have decisive players who don’t lose the ball and create dangerous plays, the Flamengo coach said.

We know it will be a game of sacrifice. We won’t always have the ball, and when we don’t, we’ll have to run and fight together as a team. The players understand this because they’ve been doing it ever since I was their teammate and now as their coach.

Flamengo lead Group D with three points, edging Chelsea to the top spot due to the tiebreaker criterion of yellow cards.