In an interview with FIFA.com, Gabriel ‘Gabigol’ Barbosa has insisted his focus is on the Brazilian league at the moment rather than the upcoming Copa Liberatores final.
“Our target was just to get there, and obviously we’re really happy to have done it with such a victory. It had been too long for a club as big as Flamengo to have gone without being in the final,” the 23-year-old striker began.
“But our focus now is on the Brasileirao – the next game, then the one after. We have to try and put in good performances so that when the 23rd arrives, everyone is in good form and confident.”
He then shared his thoughts on the opponents they will face in the final, River Plate, who are the reigning champions.
“They’re a really strong side. They have a lot of experience. They’re the Libertadores champions, they are used to reaching the final. They are really established, really tough, and we have to respect them. But we know our own potential and have to play our own game.
“It will be a great game, but right now we’re concentrating on the Brasileirao because we really want to become Brazilian champions.”
