Paul reflects on historic meeting with Fluminense at Laranjeiras
Following the goalless draw against Fluminense at the Estádio de Laranjeiras, Grecians manager Paul Tisdale reflected on an historic moment for the club.City twice had the ball in the net, only for the offside flag to deny any celebrations, but Paul was pleased with the display his team delivered on unfamiliar terrain.
“It was highly enjoyable and a very respectable scoreline for us against an energetic, talented Fluminense team,” said Paul.
“As we’re only in our second game in pre-season, I was very pleased with the way we coped with a talented team in difficult conditions.
“It was hot and the pitch is slow, and it was very much Brazilian football. We coped and survived very well with it, and had chances to win it.
“It was a good experience – you don’t have the challenge of that type of football very often in League 2, but with what was in front of them they did very well and I don’t have any grumbles with the way we played at all.”
Paul also reflected on the privilege of sharing such a momentous occasion with the dozens of City supporters that made the transatlantic trip to see an away-day with a difference.
“It’s a big moment – it shows the affinity that City supporters have with Brazilian football and especially Fluminense,” he continued.
“We had 150-plus people here – we’re very privileged to have had so many people here following us. I’m sure they enjoyed it – it was a wonderful occasion.
“It is a very, very unique ground – Laranjeiras is a highly unusual football facility and has to be one of the most picturesque and fabulous football stadiums I’ve ever been to.”