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Coach Filipe Luís was asked about Jorge Carrascal's absence in Flamengo's victory over Estudiantes (ARG) , this Thursday (18), at Maracanã. The commander responded sincerely and explained the reasons for the decision .

Filipe Luís on Carrascal's absence in Flamengo vs Estudiantes: "I choose whoever I believe is best for the team"

"For me, it doesn't matter if the player cost 100 million or if he's from the academy. I pick whoever I believe is best for the team, regardless of salary or market value. Whoever I think is best at that moment will play ," he stated.

Filipe then detailed his reading of the game: "At that moment, I thought that with Bruno and Plata pressing, we would regain territorial control and have more intensity . Furthermore, Luiz was able to cover the wing well, where Varela needed support."

This wasn't the first time the coach spoke about Carrascal 's situation. Last Sunday (14), Filipe had already said that the Colombian was "unlucky" when competing for position with Arrascaeta . On that occasion, Carrascal even came off the bench, gave an assist and helped in the victory over Juventude.

HOW WAS THE GAME AGAINST ESTUDIANTES?

Even with Carrascal on the bench, Flamengo started off with a bang at Maracanã. Within ten minutes, they were already leading with goals from Pedro and Varela. Despite their initial control, the refereeing caused instability in the game . Ecuadorian Plata was wrongly sent off by referee Andrés Rojas, and Estudiantes subsequently pulled one back, making it 2-1.

FLAMENGO'S SITUATION IN THE LIBERTADORES

With the victory, Flamengo goes into the return leg in Argentina with the advantage of drawing by any score to secure a spot in the semifinals. If they lose by one goal, the decision will be on penalties. The match takes place next Thursday (25), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), in La Plata.

Former Flamengo coach and now in charge of Wolverhampton, Portuguese Vítor Pereira had his contract renewed for another three seasons . The announcement was made this Thursday (18) and comes as recognition for the work last season, when he started a series of victories and saved the team from relegation.

Vítor Pereira, ex-Flamengo, after renewing with Wolverhampton: "It's an honor for me"

Despite a disastrous start to the Premier League season , with four defeats in four games, the board decided to continue with the manager, viewing the renewal as a vote of confidence . Wolves currently sits at the bottom of the table.

"I'm very proud to be the Wolves manager. It's an honor for me. This is the club that gave me the chance to reach the Premier League , the best league in the world," said Vitor Pereira, who had a turbulent time at Flamengo .

Aware of the delicate situation, the coach emphasized the need for unity to try to turn the season around: "This is the moment we need to be together. We are a city with one club, and this city loves football . It's a passion. This spirit is what we need to cultivate to compete with the best teams in this league."

CAST WITH BRAZILIAN PRESENCE

In addition to the coach, Wolverhampton also has former Flamengo player João Gomes . Pereira also has midfielder André, formerly of Fluminense, and striker Jhon Arias, the latter a Colombian but with a notable stint at the Tricolor das Laranjeiras.

SEARCH FOR REACTION IN THE SEASON

With the renewal signed, the coach has the mission of getting Wolves back on track. So far, defeats to Manchester City, Bournemouth, Everton, and Newcastle have marked the start of the Premier League season. The only positive news came in the English League Cup, with the qualification against West Ham . The next match will be this Saturday (20), at 11 am (Brasília time), against Leeds United, at Molineux. In the League Cup, Wolves will face Everton on Tuesday (23), at 3:45 pm.

Just over two months after leaving Flamengo for Zenit St. Petersburg, Russia, midfielder Gerson faces an unusual scenario in his career . At Flamengo, he was a regular starter and even made it to the Brazilian national team based on his performance in domestic football. In Europe, however, the situation has changed.

At Zenit, the player lost his place, became a reserve, and, as a result, wasn't included in Carlo Ancelotti's last call-up for the national team . The situation has worsened in recent weeks. In the Russian club's four most recent matches—against Orenburg, Pari NN, Baltika, and Akhmat Grozny—Gerson wasn't even included in the squad, even sitting on the bench.

His absence is even more noteworthy because the midfielder is eager to play in the next World Cup. A further absence, however, could jeopardize his chances of returning to the national team . Gerson's future at Zenit remains uncertain, and we'll have to follow the next chapters of his journey.

NEGOTIATION IS NOT RULED OUT

After just two months in Russia, midfielder Gerson could change clubs again. According to journalist Fabrizio Romano, Al Ittihad (SAU) has begun talks to try to sign the player , who is considered a priority in the final stretch of the Saudi Arabian transfer window.

HOW WAS GERSON'S DEPARTURE FROM FLAMENGO ANNOUNCED?

On July 4, the club published an official statement confirming the departure of the then captain, highlighting that the decision came from the athlete himself , who submitted a resignation and unilateral termination request, paid by the Russians, without having any negotiation with Mais Querido.

On social media, Flamengo was direct and thanked the midfielder for the time he defended Manto : "Clube de Regatas do Flamengo announces the end of the contract with the athlete Gerson. The Mais Querido thanks him for the time he defended Manto and wishes the player good luck."