Davide Ancelotti praises Botafogo's performance: 'we maintained a good rhythm'

Botafogo thrashed Fortaleza 4-0 at Castelão Stadium, temporarily moving into the top four of the Brasileirão. After the match, coach Davide Ancelotti praised his team's performance and emphasized that the Alvinegro team capitalized on its opportunities.

"That's it. We have to try to create quality opportunities, shoot less from distance because it's harder to score, and try to pass the ball more inside the box, because we score goals from there. Set pieces also helped; three goals in the same game helped. Because when we have trouble with accuracy, set pieces help us score goals," he explained.

Still discussing the match, the coach said the game was hampered by Gustavo Mancha's sending-off in the first half. He also explained the performance during both halves.

"A game heavily influenced by the early red card. In the first half, we managed to score a goal from a set piece, which is also important, but we didn't play well, we slowed down a lot, and Fortaleza started to believe. We had to step up the pace, and in the second half we started better and managed to close out the result. After that, we played well, and the players who came on also wanted to demonstrate, and we maintained a good rhythm. I'm happy with the result, but also because we didn't concede any goals; it's important to maintain our defensive solidity," he stated.

The manager praised Marçal's performance, as he scored two of the club's five goals. He explained his role on the field.

"Marçal was the best on the field today. He deserves it because he's a professional who sets an example for his teammates. I thought playing on the right might be easier for him than for David, because he has more experience. David already played the last game with Barboza at left-back, so I wanted to give him continuity in that position as well," he explained. Botafogo returns to action in the Copa Libertadores Round of 16 midweek, when LDU will face off on Tuesday at 7 p.m. (Brasília time).