Renato Gaúcho commends Pedro for playing through pain in Flamengo win | OneFootball

Flamengo manager Renato Gaúcho heaped praise on the efforts of striker Pedro after their victory over Sport Recife on Sunday.

Bruno Henrique struck early on before an own goal by Recife’s Ronaldo Henrique ensured the Rubro-Negro collected three points from their ‘home’ game in Volta Redonda.

Pedro didn’t get among the goals, but Gaúcho appreciated that the 24-year-old put his body on the line in the absence of the suspended Gabriel Barbosa.

“I’ve been talking a lot with Pedro. Honestly, I liked Pedro today. He just didn’t score. Today, he had a problem with his ankle, he played at will,” the Fla boss said.

“In the last game (a Copa Libertadores win over Olimpia) he came out with a very swollen ankle.

“In this match we have to give a discount, because today the field was not in the best condition. This made Pedro and the team’s game very difficult.”

The win keeps the Mengão in fifth place in the Brasileirão, 10 points behind leaders Atlético Mineiro with two games in hand.