Renato Gaúcho comes out fighting after Flamengo held by América-MG | OneFootball

Flamengo manager Renato Gaúcho has refused to concede the Brasileirão title despite a disappointing draw at América-MG on Sunday.

The Rubro-Negro brought an understrength squad to the Estádio Raimundo Sampaio, but still looked to have stolen the three points when Michael struck in the 89th minute.

Unfortunately for the Mengão, Alê equalised for the hosts five minutes into stoppage time. The result keeps Fla 11 points off leaders Atlético Mineiro, with two games in hand.

Flamengo have won the last two domestic titles, and are still in the hunt for silverare in the Copa do Brasil and Copa Libertadores.

And Gaúcho remained bullish about his side’s prospects after yet another setback in the league.

“We will not leave any competition aside,” he insisted.

“Flamengo is playing in three very difficult competitions. Flamengo built a strong squad to compete in the three competitions.

“This speech that Flamengo is resting (players)… I’ll answer for the last time. People don’t know who can and can’t play. Six players remained in Rio.

“Of those six, I don’t know how many will not be able to play on Wednesday. No excuse, but the heat is very strong today at 11am. And the lack of rapport makes it very difficult.

“Even so we managed a goal, but in our failure we took it in the last minutes.”

Flamengo will return to Libertadores action on Wednesday when they look to defend a 2-0 first-leg lead in their semi-final with Barcelona SC in Ecudaor.