
Soccer
06 Out 2024 | 12:40 |
Flamengo is going through a moment of important transition. After the departure of the previous coach, the board chose to bet on a name that already knew the club's backstage very well and had the respect of the players: Filipe Luís. The former left-back, who marked his time with the Rubro-Negro shirt , was promoted to the role of coach and debuted on the right foot by beating Bahia 2-0 away from home. Filipe's debut not only brought the three points, but also a glimpse of what can be called "Filipism", a philosophy that mixes experience, tactical reading and a touch of innovation.
The game was a real test for the new commander. With Bahia under pressure and fighting to move away from the relegation zone, Flamengo needed patience and discipline to achieve the result. Gerson, who has increasingly established himself as the team's technical leader, was the highlight, dictating the pace in midfield and directly contributing to the match's two goals. The first half was truncated, with few clear chances for both sides, but Filipe Luís' tactical changes at halftime gave Rubro-Negro a new look.
FLAMENGO MUCH MORE ABOVE
Flamengo's main characteristic under command from Filipe Luís was defensive compactness and quick release into the attack. The coach assembled a team that knew how to suffer when necessary, but that also did not give up on proposing the game. Gerson's presence in midfield was fundamental to this balance. The number 8 retreated to help with the construction and advanced with quality when the team needed to accelerate. It was his pass that led to the first goal, scored by Pedro, who found the net again after a period of drought.
With the victory, Flamengo remains firm in the fight for first place and brings new hope to the fans. Filipe Luís' experience as a high-level player, both in Europe and in Brazil, is an asset that few beginning coaches have. His reading of the game was clear on several occasions during the match. He did not hesitate to correct the posture of some players and adjust the team as Bahia changed its strategy. This ability to adapt quickly will be crucial in the next challenges, as Flamengo's calendar is tight and full of direct confrontations.
< b>FLAMENGO EXCEEDS EXPECTATIONS
Another positive point was the intensity shown by the players. Filipe managed to get the best out of names that had been fluctuating during the season, such as Gabigol and Arrascaeta. Both actively participated in offensive actions and helped build the victory. It is clear that the squad bought the new coach's idea, and this was reflected in their behavior on the field. Flamengo proved to be a united team committed to Filipe Luís' project, something that was not seen so clearly in recent months.
Despite the positive result, there are still adjustments to be made. Filipe Luís made it clear in his press conference that the team is far from ideal. "We have a lot to improve, especially on the defensive side. We can't give the opponent so many opportunities", commented the coach, who also highlighted Gerson's importance in the scheme. "He's our thermometer. When he's good, the whole team plays better." Filipe's words reflect his vision of a Flamengo that favors possession of the ball and control of actions, but that also needs to be more lethal and confident when defending.
With a goal from the Uruguayan in the first half and Royal in the second half, Mais Querido overcomes initial pressure from the team from Rio Grande do Sul and maintains its advantage.
14 Set 2025 | 17:58 |
Flamengo beat Juventude this Sunday (14), at 4 pm (Brasília time), at Alfredo Jaconi Stadium, in Caxias do Sul (RS). The Rio de Janeiro team won 2-0 away from home and broke a 28-year winless streak at the stadium.
Juventude started the match with intensity at Alfredo Jaconi, exploiting Nenê's set pieces and posing a threat to Rossi's goal. Gradually, Flamengo adjusted its defense and began to control possession. The goal came in the 31st minute, when Saúl delivered a precise cross and Arrascaeta headed the ball into the back of the net, opening the scoring for the Rio de Janeiro team.
ROSSI HOLDS THE ADVANTAGE
After the break, Juventude increased the pressure, creating chances from balls lofted into the box. In one of the most dangerous plays, Rossi made two consecutive saves on rebounds before the referee ruled the play offside . Even under pressure, Juventude maintained a solid stance to manage the result.
Flamengo 's second goal came in the second half. In the 41st minute, Allan delivered a beautiful cross from the edge of the box, finding Emerson Royal almost in Jandrei's penalty area. The full-back headed it firmly into the net, extending the Flamengo's lead.
With goals from Arrascaeta and Emerson Royal, Mengão achieved another away victory and maintained its lead in the Brazilian Championship, increasing the gap to its direct rivals before its next Copa Libertadores match.
It is worth remembering that Mais Querido returns to the field next Thursday (18), at Maracanã. The Rio de Janeiro team faces Estudiantes in the first game of the Libertadores quarterfinals , where Flamengo is looking for its fourth championship.
The 25-year-old goalkeeper, trained at the Rio Grande do Sul team, refused to renew his contract and could reinforce Mengão after Matheus Cunha's confirmed departure to Cruzeiro.
14 Set 2025 | 17:03 |
Goalkeeper Gabriel Grando, 25 , who came through Grêmio's youth ranks, has become one of the most talked about names on the market after losing his place with the arrival of experienced goalkeeper Tiago Volpi.
Seeking more opportunities to play from 2026 onwards, the player recently rejected a renewal proposal with the Rio Grande do Sul club , whose current contract runs until December 2026. The board is already admitting to negotiating him permanently after failed attempts at an agreement.
Grando's name has gained traction at Flamengo , given the need for a replacement in the squad. Matheus Cunha signed a pre-contract with Cruzeiro and will play for the Minas Gerais team next season, opening a gap in the Flamengo goalkeeping team.
Internally, the Grêmio goalkeeper is highly regarded by the Rio de Janeiro coaching staff, according to several local portals that monitor the Rio de Janeiro club's transfer market activity. Flamengo thus sees a strategic signing opportunity.
Standing at 6'4" and with experience in national competitions, Grando emerges as a promising alternative to fill the shoes of Matheus Cunha. The Mais Querido's interest reinforces the search for another athlete to compete with Rossi.
The midfielder's return to Mais Querido is ruled out; the midfielder remains at Zenit, valued at 25 million euros, and could appear at two rival teams of Mengão
14 Set 2025 | 16:22 |
Information gathered by Jorge Nicola indicates that there is no environment conducive to a possible return for Gerson to Flamengo . The relationship between the player's representatives and the club has remained strained since his turbulent departure to Russian football, making any negotiations impossible at this time.
According to the journalist, if Gerson returns to Brazilian football, Palmeiras and Botafogo are considered potential interested parties. There's also the possibility of another move from Saudi Arabia, a market that already attempted to sign the midfielder before his move to Zenit.
Valued at €25 million (approximately R$157 million) , the player has a strong relationship with Zenit, which has no intention of negotiating him at this time. This amount corresponds to the release clause paid to Mengão for his transfer. So far, there are no records of official offers from Brazilian clubs for the player.
While Gerson continues his journey in Russian football, Flamengo's board is focusing its efforts on specific renewals. José Boto is working to extend Uruguayan Giorgian De Arrascaeta's contract until 2028.
Furthermore, the manager is trying to unlock negotiations with Filipe Luís to ensure his continued coaching tenure . The initial offer was rejected, and the coach is demanding a salary increase to extend his contract.