CELEBRATE THE GUANABARA CUP? TITE'S ASSISTANT AT FLAMENGO VALUES FIRST TITLE OF THE SEASON: "MUST..."

Peñarol is preparing intensively for the decisive clash against Flamengo in the quarter-finals of the Copa Libertadores. The Uruguayan club faces Miramar Misiones this Saturday (07), at the Centenário Stadium, in the 10th round of the Uruguayan Championship. The game will be a crucial opportunity for the team to adjust its rhythm and align its strategies before facing the Brazilian Rubro-Negro next Thursday (19), at Maracanã.

Peñarol coach, Alfredo Arias , confirmed that the team will enter the field with maximum strength against Miramar Misiones. The decision to select the main players reflects the importance of the duel for the team, which is preparing for the high-level international clash against Flamengo. Peñarol does not want to leave any room for mistakes, making the most of each match before the Libertadores semi-final.

The match against Miramar Misiones is an essential step for Peñarol. With the Uruguayan internal competition already quite fierce, the team needs to guarantee good results to remain competitive in the Uruguayan Championship. However, the match also serves as a final test for the players and the coaching staff to adjust their physical and tactical form before the big challenge against Flamengo.

The clash against Flamengo is eagerly awaited. Rubro-Negro, current champion of the Libertadores, is a strong opponent, and Peñarol will have to be in top form to face them. The Uruguayan team needs to be prepared in both tactical and physical terms to face one of the strongest clubs in the South American competition.

With the final stretch of the 2024 season approaching, Flamengo faces an important challenge after the injury to Pedro, who suffered a ruptured ligament in his left knee. The club's vice-president of football, Marcos Braz, stated in an interview with "Fla TV" that he will discuss with coach Tite and his committee the possibility of seeking a new reinforcement to make up for the striker's absence.

The Flamengo see you next time Tuesday (stipulated deadline) to regularize any player who may play for the team this season. However, the options available are limited, as only athletes without a contract can be signed outside the transfer window. Braz highlighted the difficulties in finding suitable names on the market.

"The window is practically over, and the restrictions are enormous in making a signing at this time. After the window closes, it is only possible to sign players who were already without a contract before closing. This greatly reduces the options", explained the manager.

Despite speculation about possible hiring, Marcos Braz highlighted that The red and black squad already has alternatives for the position. Flamengo has, in addition to Gabigol, who must take responsibility in the attack, other players who can perform the role, such as Carlinhos and Bruno Henrique, who can also be improvised as a center forward.

"We have three players who can play in this position. Gabigol has always solved our problems, we have Carlinhos and Bruno Henrique, who can play the role of 9. We will analyze calmly until Tuesday and decide what is best for Flamengo", concluded Braz.

Flamengo remains alive in three competitions this season, but has not been playing good football. During the Arena SBT program this past Tuesday (3), former player Cicinho harshly criticized Mais Querido and took the opportunity to highlight that the club will not win titles this season.

"Flamengo cannot to be Brazilian champion. At the beginning of last year I said that Flamengo wouldn't win anything in 2023, and imagine not now. In the Libertadores, I don't know, but the Libertadores and the Brazilian Championship. said Cicinho.

Cicinho's words reflect a critical view of Mais Querido's current situation. Last season, Rubro-Negro did not win major titles. Therefore, the former player highlighted that it is necessary to be concerned if this problem persists.

Seeking to improve its football, Flamengo focuses on the next matches of the season. Mais Querido will have three major decisions in September. This is because, Rubro-Negro faces Bahia in the Copa do Brasil and Peñarol in the Libertadores.

Thus, the red-black squad reappears at CT Ninho do Urubu this Thursday (5) to give start of the preparation for the clash against Bahia, valid for the second leg of the quarter-finals of the Copa do Brasil, on September 12th.