With morals! Flamengo fans exalts Luiz Araújo's provocation in the classic against Fluminense

Back in Flamengo's starting lineup after almost two months, Danilo started the match against Juventude , last Sunday (14), in the 23rd round of the Brasileirão. The defender, who had not played since July 20, in the victory over Fluminense, spoke about his leadership role within the squad and even revealed a harsher charge made to Samuel Lino during the clash at Alfredo Jaconi.

Danilo on his leadership role at Flamengo: "I accept this responsibility and live it daily"

"This is certainly changing a lot. Many people are taking this path of raising awareness. I'm very pleased that many colleagues are preparing themselves thoroughly, understanding much more about the context not only of football, but also the reality of our country . Obviously, when I came to Flamengo , I already understood that my responsibility would be much greater. I accept this responsibility and live it daily. I have to set an example in training and in how I deal with things internally," said Danilo.

"There too (with the Brazilian national team), I followed a responsible, motivated, and committed approach. I'm annoying. I spoke to Lino, who lost two balls, and I gave him a hard time. I'll continue doing this if he loses balls he shouldn't, and he can talk to me too if I make things easier . That's how we grow and build a winning team. It's been a great pleasure to experience Flamengo , interact with the youth academy, and experience the culture of being a Flamengo player. I hope I'm doing something good for the club," he added.

DANILO'S LAST DAYS

Competing with Léo Ortiz and Léo Pereira, and battling a few injuries, Danilo made his 19th appearance for Flamengo . In total, he has three goals and one assist. In the match against Juventude, he saw Arrascaeta and Emerson Royal seal the Flamengo victory with headers.

BACK TO THE BANK?

The tendency is for Danilo to return to the bench next Thursday (18), since Léo Ortiz will be available again after serving a suspension . Flamengo faces Estudiantes (ARG), at Maracanã, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), for the first leg of the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores.

After the away win over Juventude , Filipe Luís took advantage of the press conference to discuss Saúl's current form. The Spaniard has been one of the team's standouts this season , contributing assists, marking, and attacking presence. For the coach, the midfielder is enjoying the peak of his career and is a model of professionalism.

"We're seeing the best Saúl . Perhaps the best Saúl of his career. That's thanks to him and, obviously, to the club for believing in and being able to recapture this player's potential. Everyone knows about his career and the crucial role he played wherever he went , especially at Atlético Madrid. But recapturing the best Saúl was a challenge, and it was up to him," he said before concluding.

" He's at a very high level. I think having a son is always a great motivator . I also didn't expect that after all this effort, waking up at 4 a.m., catching two flights, and playing here for 90 minutes, he would play with such quality. He's a unique player, and we're very lucky to have him here with us," said Filipe Luís.

DEDICATION AND OVERCOMING

Saúl was one of the players responsible for the decisive pass that led to the first goal in the victory against Juventude and has been consistently performing in various competitions. According to members of the football department, his dedication to training and his quick adaptation to the club have been key factors in his improved performance.

FLAMENGO REMAINS LEADER

With Filipe Luís at the helm, Mengão has 50 points in the Brazilian Championship and still has a game in hand . Their next match will be in the Libertadores, against Estudiantes, on Thursday at 9:30 pm at Maracanã.

After Flamengo's victory over Juventude at Alfredo Jaconi Stadium, which ended a 28-year drought, Filipe Luís made a point of keeping his feet on the ground when discussing the upcoming Libertadores challenge . While acknowledging the magnitude of the quarterfinal match against Estudiantes, the coach emphasized that all his preparation up to that point had been focused on the Brazilian Championship.

"You're right when you say it's the most important game of the year. For me, it is. Given the importance of the Libertadores quarterfinals against Estudiantes. After the incredible season we've had, of course it's the most important game of the year. But honestly, I only prepared for the Juventude game. I did everything thinking about how to beat Juventude," he said before concluding.

"Starting tomorrow, we'll begin studying and working to determine the best solutions to face Estudiantes. They're undoubtedly a formidable opponent, especially since they're one of the Argentine teams that competes so well. We have Central Córdoba in the group stage as an example," said the coach.

GREAT VICTORY IN THE SOUTH

With the positive result in Caxias do Sul, Flamengo reached 50 points in the Brasileirão and maintained its sole lead, with a game in hand over second-place Palmeiras. Cruzeiro is in third place and could close the gap in the standings. The match against Estudiantes is scheduled for Thursday at 9:30 pm at Maracanã.

FILIPE LUÍS'S FAREWELL?

When asked about the offer from Fenerbahçe of Turkey, Filipe Luís said he was flattered by the foreign interest , but emphasized that it wasn't the right time to leave. The coach revealed he was clear about his professional goals and emphasized that he was focused on his current job.