Soccer

COMMENTATOR IS SCARED BY FLAMENGO'S PERFORMANCE WITHOUT DE LA CRUZ AND SHOWS: "MEDIOCRE TEAM"

The journalist said he was "amazed" by Rubro Negro's performance against Millonarios

04 Abr 2024 | 08:48 |

On ESPN's Linha de Passe program, the performance of Flamengo against Millonarios last Tuesday (2). Thus, journalist Vitor Birner said he was "amazed" by Mais Querido's performance. He also points out that he was taken by surprise by the impact of De La Cruz's embezzlement, which caused a snowball effect.

The commentator also highlighted that it is natural for Rubro-Negro feel the absence of the player, who is the main reinforcement of the year and took over the starting role in the team. This is because the dynamism he provides makes it difficult for the opponent to mark and enhances Arrascaeta and the wingers.

“Flamengo's performance surprised me negatively, it made Millonarios look better than they really are. I have some explanations. For example: De La Cruz. With De La Cruz as the second midfield player, it is obvious that Flamengo has a lot of construction inside. When this happens, it disperses the opponent's marking. Secondly, Arrascaeta gains more space, and thirdly, the opponent starts to close inside because the volume of the game is there, leaving space on the side”, said Vitor Birner.

BIRNER HIGHLIGHTS PROBLEMS IN FLAMENGO’S MARKING

In addition to encountering difficulties with the ball, the defensive sector was also the target of criticism from the journalist. He highlighted problems in marking on the sides of the field and pointed out the difference between Bruno Henrique and Luiz Araújo in this regard. Thus, all these problems combined resulted in a “mediocre team”, according to Birner.

“But what scared me was the defensive part. You look at the cross that the ball hits the post and it's a lot of freedom. Poorly made coverage, spaces on both sides. And there's another detail, Bruno Henrique is more of a player than Luiz Araújo, but Luiz can recover better for physical reasons. So, it starts to have several defensive impacts, which this team was not used to dealing with. With a mediocre team at best, which is Millonarios. “

REASON FOR DE LA CRUZ'S DISMISSAL

Last Tuesday (2), Nicolás De La Cruz was not removed from the bench due to having presented a viral condition and fever. The midfielder was even listed for the clash, but would start as a reserve. However, he ended up staying at the hotel with the doctors from Mais Querido. Therefore, the expectation is that he could be available for the Carioca final, against Nova Iguaçu.

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Soccer

Arrascaeta makes a similar criticism of Jorge Jesus: “Flamengo only loses…”

Uruguayan gave a press conference at Ninho do Urubu and spoke about the problems of unprepared professionals at the club

Arrascaeta uses Jorge Jesus' famous quote at Flamengo to criticize unprepared professionals at the club - Photo: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo

16 Ago 2025 | 19:00 |

Friday (15) was marked by a press conference with Arrascaeta, at Ninho do Urubu. The Uruguayan midfielder made strong statements about the club's backstage and even repeated a famous phrase from Jorge Jesus, the Portuguese coach who marked an era at Flamengo.

Arrascaeta quotes Jorge Jesus: "Flamengo only loses to itself"

CRITICISM OF DESPERATE PROFESSIONALS

Without directly mentioning the coach, Arrascaeta emphasized that internal problems often harm the club's atmosphere . The Uruguayan also made it clear that he will always stand by his teammates in situations where unprepared professionals could harm them:

"I often tell my friends that Flamengo only loses to itself, because it's difficult to explain some of the things that happen here. Sometimes it's due to a lack of capacity from people who don't realize the size of the club or who aren't used to dealing with this pressure . But when you have experienced and respected players like Alex Sandro, Bruno, Nico, Viña, and so many others, the group becomes stronger," said the number 10.

"Whatever happens outside won't affect our squad. We'll always be together. When something happens to a teammate, we'll be here to help," Arrascaeta assured. The statement alludes to the controversy surrounding former doctor José Luiz Runco, who was fired after exposing details of De La Cruz's physical condition , claiming the Uruguayan was living with an irreversible chronic injury.

SUPPORT FOR DE LA CRUZ

At the time, Arrascaeta posted a photo alongside De La Cruz, accompanied by the message: " It's about taking care of our own. It's that simple ." The gesture was interpreted as a dig at the former professional, as well as a pat on the back for his club and national team friend.

Now, at the press conference, the number 10 reinforced the importance of squad unity in the face of external turbulence: "Regardless of who it is, Nico or another player, we have to be together. It's very difficult to stay focused on the field when these situations happen. But I've been here for six years and I know that Flamengo always experiences moments like this. Our role is to keep ourselves in the locker room so that this doesn't affect us, even though some situations are very difficult," he concluded.

COMMENTATOR IS SCARED BY FLAMENGO'S PERFORMANCE WITHOUT DE LA CRUZ AND SHOWS: "MEDIOCRE TEAM"