Leila Pereira says Flamengo: "A club like any other"

President of Palmeiras, Leila Pereira gave a strong statement to the press during the draw event for the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil, this Tuesday (26). When commenting on the club's focus on the season, the president dismissed choosing a competition and said that her team is not guided by Flamengo, the main opponent in the Brazilian Championship and Copa Libertadores.

"Palmeiras is not based on championships because Flamengo is there or not. Flamengo is a club like any other. Today, it (Flamengo) competes with us [Brasileirão]... Even though I'm 7 points ahead of second", he began.

"I base my work on my athletes, with my coach, with my football director, with my professionals, not with this or that club. For me, Flamengo and other clubs are all the same", he concluded.

Palmeiras in the Copa do Brasil
Palmeiras will face Fortaleza in the round of 16 of the Copa do Brasil. The duel's base dates are August 1st and 2nd (outbound), and August 5th and 6th (return).

The first confrontation will be under the control of the Alviverde field, and the return will be under the control of the Ceará club.

"I usually say that I don't usually choose an opponent. It's a draw. We're going to try, at home, to have a good score, so that we can guarantee (classification) away from home", said the director in a press conference after the draw.

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Source: CNN