Paulo Sousa claims Flamengo lost 'identity' during Fluminense defeat | OneFootball

Flamengo manager Paulo Sousa blamed a “disorganised” second-half performance for Sunday’s 1-0 defeat to Fluminense in the Campeonato Carioca.

The Rubro-Negro did not get the rub of the green at the Estádio Nilton Santos, with a first-half penalty overturned by VAR which also intervened to chalk off a Gabriel Barbosa goal for offside after the break.

Fluminense took advantage of the situation to score a late winner through Jhon Arias a minute from time.

“In the second half, it was different. We had less intensity and less quality than at the beginning of the game,” Sousa told reporters afterwards.

“With the changes, the team lost its identity. Some players didn’t understand what was to be done and what I asked for.

“Our goal disallowed… we were about to make a decision about Pedro. It was a different second half, a team that was, like last year, disorganised.”

Flu’s winner was soft to say the least, with Arias’ far-post header going through the hands of goalkeeper Hugo Souza.

But the boss was quick to absolve his 23-year-old stopper.

“First, we have to avoid the header. It is normal that, when having substitutions in the game, the same attitudes are not taken,” Sousa said.

“When we concede a goal, it’s not just the goalkeeper who is responsible. It’s the team.”

The defeat – Flamengo’s first of the regional competition – sees them drop to fourth in the table.