HOW THE FIFA DATE HAS HELPED AND HURT FLAMENGO, STUDY SHOWS A "POSITIVE" BALANCE

Sunday (15) was special for Flamengo, which ended a taboo of almost 28 years without beating Juventude at Alfredo Jaconi . In Caxias do Sul, in the 23rd round of the Brasileirão, Rubro-Negro beat the Gauchos 2-0 , with goals from Arrascaeta and Emerson Royal.

Filipe Luís on Flamengo: "Our goal is not only to maintain our performance, but to improve over time"

After the victory, coach Filipe Luís praised the team's performance and emphasized that it is poised to grow even further as the rounds progress. "Our goal is not only to maintain our performance, but to improve over time. With corrections, videos, training, and new concepts implemented, the team tends to evolve . We've already seen significant progress from the first half of the season to what we're seeing now," the coach stated.

The manager also emphasized that he can't control the results, but he has full responsibility for the way we play: "There's been a huge change in the team's backbone. Key players have left, and the new ones are trying to adapt quickly so we can continue to improve . I can't control the results, but I can control the way we play. We'll strive to improve our performance even further," added Filipe Luís.

WHAT WAS THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE LIKE?

With the victory in Caxias do Sul, Flamengo reached 50 points and remains the sole leader of the Brazilian Championship , with four points more than Palmeiras, in second place, but with one game more than the São Paulo club in the competition.

WHAT'S FLAMENGO'S NEXT GAME?

Now, the focus turns to the Copa Libertadores. Flamengo faces Estudiantes de La Plata (ARG) this Thursday (18), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time) , at Maracanã, for the first leg of the quarterfinals of the continental competition.

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.