The defeat reveals the fragility of marking, and Botafogo has the second worst defense in Brazil

In the midst of forming a new team, Botafogo is experiencing the first moment of instability in the “Textor Era”. Despite the confidence in the project, the defeat Palmeiras suffered in Brazil highlighted not only the gaps in the group, but the fragility of the defensive system in the face of ideas promoted by Luis Castro.

Facing Paulistas, the captain failed to understand what stage the team had reached and to realize that the opponent usually took advantage of speed on the backs of both sides. Maintaining the strategy of previous matches did not have the expected effect and left the left side of the defense exposed and weak. He thanked Alfiefridi and quietly built the road.

A poor defensive performance against Palmeiras cannot be treated as choppy or a ‘bad night’. In Brazil, the team conceded goals in almost every match, with the exception of the victory over Flamengo at Mane Garrincha. With that, in ten matches, Alfinegra’s goal was balanced fifteen times, being the second worst defense after Avaye and only behind Juventud, who suffered seventeen goals.

In Castro’s scheme, the man who grabbed the ball lacks a stronger control. In this sense, the last line is exposed to throws and long balls, as happened in the last two games. In addition to Palmeiras, Goiás also knew how to take advantage of slip and, even in a reactive manner, was fatal on the counterattack.

With the pieces you have, there is still a way to play openly or advance in the tag. This takes time, adaptation and a more qualified group. Against a quick attack, Victor Cuesta and Kano found it difficult to avoid triangles. Daniel Burgess was left weak and without cover, leaving Palmeiras wings free.

The white-and-white defender never crossed the top. Mistakes in playing volleyball go beyond individual problems. The team needs a well-defined and attentive discriminant approach to positioning. But in the not-allowed goal, Kano went single-handedly against two opponents. Rooney, 1.67, advanced, and scored the third goal.

It is still too early to say the club made a mistake in planning and signings. John Textor has revealed his intention to bring in eight additional reinforcements in the upcoming transfer window. Among them, left-back Fernando Marcel has already signed with the club. Another very close name is Israeli striker Eran Zahawi.

While the window hasn’t officially opened (July 17), the challenge is putting together a competitive team with the pieces you have at your disposal. Much of this quest for balance involves defense, which isn’t at its best. A reflection of that is that the team only added one point out of the last twelve contested.

For the sector, defenders Victor Cuesta and Felipe Sampaio were signed. The Argentine started his time at Alfinegro well, but did not do well against Palmeiras. Meanwhile, Philip is close to being available after an injury to his right knee. In addition to these, right-back Saravia also arrived to strengthen the system, but initially swung in a Botafogo shirt.

It should be noted that the concept adopted by Luis Castro is promising, but the moment is a transitional moment, to form a team that still has holes to fill in the window. The coach will have to follow the old saying: a good team starts with defense, make changes so that the system is not weak and the team can improve in the season.