Renato Gaúcho defends his use of Flamengo striker Pedro | OneFootball

Renato Gaúcho has hit back at a commentator’s claim that striker Pedro has been “grounded” by the Flamengo manager.

Emotions were running high after the under-strength Rubro-Negro had been held by Ceará on Sunday.

Vina gave the hosts the lead in the first half at the Castelão, with Vitinho equalising shortly after the break.

Pedro replaced Gabriel Barbosa with seven minutes to go, with TV Globo commentator Roger Flores criticising the bit-part role the 24-year-old was handed.

When informed of the view of the former Flamengo attacker, Gaúcho responded: “I think it’s even funny. Roger was a great player, but his feeling this time is totally wrong.

“First on my team, I’m the one who chooses. And secondly, I had a very good conversation with Pedro and I said he will have opportunities. Roger, your feeling today wasn’t so good.”

The point lifted the Mengão into the top four of the Brasileirão, but they will be pushed back out on Monday if Bragantino defeat lowly América-MG.