Rafinha says players must shoulder blame for Flamengo defeat | OneFootball

Rafinha has insisted that he and his Flamengo team-mates must bear responsibility for their 1-0 home defeat to Atlético Mineiro.

A 24th-minute own goal by Felipe Luís saw the Rubro-Negro lose the opening game of the defence of their Brasileirão title.

It was also Domènec Torrent’s first game in charge of the Mengão after he was recently appointed as successor to Jorge Jesus.

The Catalan only took his first training session on Monday, leading Rafinha to deflect any criticism away from his new manager.

“Domènec arrived a week ago. He’s getting to know the players and we shouldn’t even be saying his name,” the veteran right-back told media after the game.

“It is not possible to charge. The responsibility is ours, the players. Losing is bad, but we will improve and get away again.”

Rafinha felt that the visitors were rather fortunate to leave the Maracanã with all three points.

“We cannot say that Atlético massacred us. In the first half they arrived only once,” the former Bayern Munich defender said.

Flamengo will be back in league action on Wednesday when they travel to face Atlético Goianiense.