Soccer

Turned sour? Flamengo board takes initiative with Filipe Luis after draw in Libertadores

Club sees fluctuation as part of the process and rules out changing technical leadership at this time, despite pressure for immediate results

Flamengo's coach has been experiencing a moment of inconsistency at Mais Querido in 2025 (Photo/Flamengo)
Flamengo's coach has been experiencing a moment of inconsistency at Mais Querido in 2025 (Photo/Flamengo)

08 Mai 2025 | 18:39 |

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The 1-1 draw with Central Córdoba at the Monumental de Santiago del Estero has set off alarm bells at Flamengo. With five points from four games, the team is in third place in Group C of the Libertadores and is at risk of qualifying for the knockout stages. Despite the worrying scenario, there will be no change in coaching.




THERE IS PRESSURE, BUT NO DISMISSAL


The pressure is there, especially given the expectations created around the new sports management and the style of play proposed by Filipe Luís. Internally, however, the assessment is that the inconsistent performance is a reflection of a process still under construction. The watchword at Gávea, at this moment, is stability.



According to an investigation carried out with sources at the club, the board believes that the work needs more time to mature. José Boto, executive director of football, spoke with the coach after the game and reinforced that there is pressure, but also support. The priority now is to protect the squad and the coaching staff.

A READING MADE SIMPLE

The interpretation is that the team, despite its ups and downs, has demonstrated clear ideas on the field. Filipe Luís's own diagnosis after the game reinforces this. In the press conference, the coach admitted a lack of confidence and frustration with the result, but highlighted that the group created chances and that there is room for improvement.


Behind the scenes, what was seen after the final whistle was a tense atmosphere, but without a sense of rupture. The biggest dissatisfaction was due to the performance in the second half, when the team retreated, lost intensity and let Central Córdoba grow. The pressure was tough, but surgical — without excesses. In addition to the coaching staff, the squad will also be the target of meetings. José Boto intends to speak with the players in the coming days to adjust the focus and regain concentration in the decisive matches to come. With two games at Maracanã ahead, Flamengo still depends only on itself to advance.


Soccer

José Boto claims that 'international stars' sought to play for Flamengo

Mengão is one of the protagonists in the football market after the financial restructuring and the director says he was approached by big names

José Boto reveals that big names in world football offered themselves to Flamengo in the window - Photo: Reproduction/Flamengo
José Boto reveals that big names in world football offered themselves to Flamengo in the window - Photo: Reproduction/Flamengo

17 Set 2025 | 08:55 |

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Flamengo's latest transfer window had an impact on the European market . In an interview with UOL, football director José Boto stated that the arrivals of Saúl, Samuel Lino, Emerson Royal, and Carrascal increased the club's visibility among players playing outside of Brazil .


José Boto on players offering themselves to Flamengo: "There were important and well-known players who showed interest in coming"


"In terms of the market, this window has a bit of an impact in Europe, opening Flamengo 's doors even further to European players. They're seeing this type of player coming here and are more interested in coming," Boto stated.


WANTED BY STARS

The Portuguese director also revealed that prominent European football players had offered to play for Flamengo , but the club chose not to move forward with negotiations . According to him, there was no need for reinforcements in those positions.


"I won't name names, but after these signings, some important and well-known players showed interest in coming . These were positions we didn't need, and I've also said that sometimes, too much water kills the plant. We didn't want to turn it into something that could harm the team," he added.

HIRING UNDER BOTO'S MANAGEMENT

José Boto took over the club's management after Luiz Eduardo Baptista (BAP) was elected president. Since then, seven new signings have been confirmed, with a total investment of €48 million (approximately R$301 million) :

  • Juninho – 5 million euros (R$ 31 million)
  • Danilo – free
  • Jorginho – free
  • Saul – free
  • Samuel Lino – 22 million euros (R$ 143 million)
  • Emerson Royal – 9 million euros (R$ 59 million)
  • Carrascal – 12 million euros (R$ 78 million)


Soccer

Former Flamengo player plays a key role in the Asian Champions League comeback

A Mengão player recently left the club for Saudi Arabia and played a key role in overturning a 2-0 deficit.

Flamengo product Matheus Gonçalves shines in his debut for Al-Ahli in the Asian Champions League - Photo: reproduction
Flamengo product Matheus Gonçalves shines in his debut for Al-Ahli in the Asian Champions League - Photo: reproduction

17 Set 2025 | 08:28 |

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Midfielder Matheus Gonçalves, formerly of Flamengo , made his winning debut for Al-Ahli, from Saudi Arabia, this Monday (15). The Brazilian came on at half-time and was decisive in the team's comeback, which turned the game around to 4-2 over Nasaf Qarshi, from Uzbekistan, in the Asian Champions League. Al-Ahli went into the break with a 2-0 deficit. After the match, the player celebrated the positive start at his new club:


Matheus Gonçalves, ex-Flamengo: "It's just the beginning of a journey of hard work and achievements"


"It was a very special night for me. Making my debut in such an important competition and being able to help the team achieve a victory like this makes me very happy . The group showed strength and unity to seek a comeback, and I'm sure this is just the beginning of a journey of hard work and achievements here at Al-Ahli," said the Mengão youth player.


RECENT BUSINESS

Sold by Flamengo in August 2025, for 8 million euros (around R$ 50 million), Matheus arrives as one of Al-Ahli's bets for the season . The next challenge will be on Friday (19), against Al-Hilal, for the Saudi Championship.


Revealed as a professional in October 2022, Matheus Gonçalves has won important titles with Flamengo : two Carioca Championships, the Brazilian Super Cup, and the Brazilian Cup. In total, he played 57 matches for the main team, winning 36, drawing eight, losing 13, and scoring six goals.

AND MENGÃO?

While Matheus Gonçalves seeks his place in Saudi Arabia, Flamengo faces Estudiantes this Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã . The return game, in La Plata, is already scheduled for September 25. The match will be broadcast on ESPN (pay TV) and Disney+ (streaming) throughout Brazil.


Soccer

Training session defines Flamengo's starting lineup against Estudiantes in the Copa Libertadores

Mengão will have a decisive duel in the quarterfinals of the competition against the club from La Plata and Filipe Luís will have an activity to choose the starting 11

Training defines Flamengo's starting lineup for the clash against Estudiantes in the Libertadores quarterfinals - Photo: Adriano Fontes/Flamengo
Training defines Flamengo's starting lineup for the clash against Estudiantes in the Libertadores quarterfinals - Photo: Adriano Fontes/Flamengo

17 Set 2025 | 08:06 |

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Flamengo returns to the field this Thursday (18), when they face Estudiantes (ARG), at Maracanã, for the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores. Preparations for the match will be completed this Wednesday (17), with the last training session led by Filipe Luís , at Ninho do Urubu.


During the training session, scheduled for 3:30 pm (Brasília time), the red-and-black coach is expected to define the starting lineup. The most likely lineup includes: Rossi; Royal, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, and Ayrton Lucas; De La Cruz (Allan), Saúl, and Arrascaeta; Plata, Pedro (Bruno Henrique), and Samuel Lino . However, confirmation will only come after the afternoon training session.


Despite the team's tendency, Filipe Luís can make changes based on the squad's movement at the training center. The coach has a habit of not repeating lineups and prepares the team based on what he studies about the opponents.


TRANSMISSION

The duel between Flamengo and Estudiantes will not be shown on free-to-air TV and will be broadcast exclusively on ESPN (pay TV) and Disney+ (streaming) , but fans will be kept up to date with all the details of the match on Gazeta do Urubu.


RETURN GAME

The return match takes place next Thursday (25), at the Jorge Luis Hirschi Stadium, in La Plata, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time). The victory at Maracanã is considered crucial for Flamengo to arrive in Argentina with an advantage in the fight for a place in the Libertadores semifinals.



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