Boto details new dynamics at Flamengo, with less presence of the president: "report to me"

After a promising and praised debut , right-back Wesley, formerly of Flamengo, received his first criticism in Italy . This Saturday (02), after starting for Roma in the 2-0 victory over Lens, in a pre-season friendly, the 21-year-old was the target of negative comments from the newspaper Corriere dello Sport.

Corriere dello Sport on Wesley, ex-Flamengo: "he's not yet the prodigy full-back"

Wesley played 71 minutes in the match and, despite participating actively, was given a 5.5 rating by the publication. The newspaper questioned whether his performance justified Roma's significant investment of €25 million (approximately R$160 million): "They said he would arrive in top form, as he had been playing in Brazil. But Wesley is not yet the prodigious full-back Roma invested €25 million in ," wrote the sports daily.

NEWSPAPER SEES POTENTIAL, BUT EXPECTED MORE

Despite its critical tone, Corriere dello Sport acknowledged that it was too early to make a definitive judgment. " We're only in August football ," the publication mused, referring to the preseason. However, it emphasized that "the spark everyone was hoping for hasn't yet appeared" in the first two tests.

On the other hand, the newspaper highlighted the player's offensive potential and left a sign of optimism: " When he advances, Wesley continues to show an untapped potential that, if well worked, can turn into dynamite."

FEATURED IN THE PREMIERE

The review contrasts with the assessment made by the same outlet after the full-back's debut in the 3-0 victory over Cannes. On that occasion, Wesley came on in the second half and was described as "the most anticipated player," receiving praise for his dedication on the field: "He runs, runs, and runs some more. Up and down without stopping. He drew applause from the fans," the newspaper wrote after the first game.

FANS APPROVE WESLEY'S PERFORMANCE

While the press is cautious, Roma fans are excited about the Brazilian full-back, formerly of Flamengo . On social media, several fans praised his speed, strength, and chemistry with midfielder Soulé:

“Half an hour of Lens vs Roma and I can say that Wesley is probably the best right-back in the world due to his compatibility with Soulé,” wrote one fan.

"If Soulé understands how to pass the ball at the right time to Wesley, Roma will be very successful . Wesley is extremely fast and strong," commented another.

Flamengo returns to the field this Sunday (03), at 6:30 pm (Brasília time), to face Ceará, in the 18th round of the Brazilian Championship. On the other side, the Ceará team will have a full house at Arena Castelão, and expectations in the squad are high. In a press conference this Friday (01), striker Pedro Henrique praised the support of the fans and revealed the atmosphere of confidence in the locker room.

Pedro Henrique on Castelão being packed for Ceará vs Flamengo: "This fan mobilization is nothing new"

"The anticipation for the game is very high. This fan mobilization is nothing new for me or the squad. It's a reflection of the work we've been doing since last year . Who knows, maybe it's time to reap the rewards. We beat Cruzeiro away from home and now we have another big challenge: Flamengo . With a full stadium, I hope we can achieve a good result," said the striker.

CEARÁ COMES UP CHARGED BY AWAY VICTORY

Ceará arrives motivated for the clash against the Brasileirão leader. In the last round, the team defeated Cruzeiro 2-1, coming from behind , at Mineirão Stadium in Belo Horizonte. The result moved Ceará up to ninth place with 21 points and reinforced the fans' optimism for this Sunday's match.

FLAMENGO LEADS THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Ceará's victory over Cruzeiro was also beneficial for Flamengo , which retook the championship lead with a 1-0 victory over Atlético-MG , thanks to a goal from Léo Ortiz, at the Maracanã. Flamengo heads into this round with 36 points and faces another important test away from home to maintain its top spot.

WHERE TO WATCH CEARÁ X FLAMENGO?

The match between Ceará and Flamengo will be broadcast on free-to-air television on Record TV, on YouTube via CazéTV, and also on Premiere via pay-per-view. Kick-off is at 6:30 PM at Arena Castelão. Coach Filipe Luís will field a full complement of players, ensuring the Brasileirão remains a priority over the Copa do Brasil.

After weeks of negotiations, midfielder Jorge Carrascal has finally been announced as Flamengo's new signing . In an interview with Flamengo TV, the Colombian revealed the anxiety he experienced during the transfer process and highlighted the role his family played in keeping him steadfast until a positive outcome.

Carrascal on negotiations with Flamengo: "I was very anxious"

" I'm very attached to my family, and during this time, I received many beautiful words from my grandmother , my father, and everyone . They told me to stay calm, because God is great and that what is meant to be ours will come in its own time. There was a moment when I calmed down, but I was very anxious. During this time, I researched Flamengo extensively. It's a huge club in South America, with a passionate fan base and intense competition. These are the things that motivate me," Carrascal said.

The player also thanked the club and fans for the messages of support he received even before his official signing. He promised total dedication to the collective goals . Carrascal is seen as a replacement for the departing Gerson, as he is a midfielder who can play centrally but also wide, preferably on the left.

"I thank Flamengo for this wonderful opportunity. The fans were already sending me messages, even before the announcement . I'm here to be happy and contribute my little bit. I want to meet my teammates, the coaching staff, and everyone at the club. I'm here to contribute, with the goal of helping the group achieve great things. I'm very motivated to give my best. I hope for the nation's support," he concluded.

HOW DID THE NEGOTIATION BECOME A SOAP OPERA?

The agreement between Flamengo and Carrascal was reached in June , but Dynamo Moscow complicated the process. Knowing of the influx of funds into Flamengo—especially from the cash sale of Gerson to Zenit—the Russian club toughened its financial demands.

Even under pressure, Flamengo maintained its offer of 12 million euros (R$77 million). When the Russians signaled positively, they backtracked, claiming they would only release Carrascal after the signing of midfielder Rubens, from Atlético-MG. With the player officially announced on Friday (01), the saga finally came to an end.

WHEN CAN CARRASCAL PREMIERE?

Carrascal was not registered in time for the first leg game against Atlético-MG in the Copa do Brasil, but Flamengo is working to have him available on Saturday (09), against Mirassol , in the last round of the first half of the Brasileirão. For this, the Colombian's name needs to be regularized in the CBF's Daily Information Bulletin (BID).