CORINTHIANS STAR DEFENDS TITE, FLAMENGO COACH: "MADNESS TO ASK FOR HIS HEAD"

The Sinergia Rubro-Negra Group (SRN), made up of influential partners from Flamengo, held a meeting last Saturday (7), at the club's headquarters, located in Gávea. The main objective of the meeting was to promote fraternization among the participants, but, inevitably, club politics ended up dominating the discussions throughout the event.

The main topic that emerged during the meeting was the support of the SRN to Rodrigo Dunshee's candidacy for president of Flamengo. Dunshee, who currently holds the position of general and legal vice-president of the club, is a prominent figure in the red-black political scene. The group, made up of members who share an aligned vision regarding the club's management, sees in Dunshee a name prepared to take over Flamengo's leadership, especially considering the upcoming electoral cycle.

During the event, members of the SRN highlighted Dunshee's role in the current administration, remembering that he was a fundamental player in several legal achievements of the Flamengo in recent years. The group believes that his experience and proximity to the club's internal processes make him the ideal candidate to succeed current president Rodolfo Landim, whose tenure ends at the end of his term. 

Although the initial objective of the meeting was a celebration between the partners, it was inevitable that the conversations turned to Flamengo's political future. The club's presidential elections are approaching, and political groups are already beginning to articulate support and strategies. The SRN, being a strong group within the red-black political structure, has stood out for its organization and capacity to mobilize members.

Those present discussed, among other topics, the possible implications of a possible Dunshee's candidacy. His name has been circulating among members for some time, but now, with the explicit support of the SRN, his candidacy is gaining strength. The members highlighted that Dunshee is a name of continuity, someone who is already part of the current management and deeply knows the challenges and needs of the club. This, in the group's view, represents a positive point, as Dunshee could continue the projects started under the Landim administration.

Flamengo continues to debate whether to look for a replacement for Pedro, a striker who is recovering from an injury. The decision is complex, involving several variables ranging from the financial cost to the availability of players on the market. One of the main points under discussion is the high cost of a possible replacement. The club is aware that signing a center forward may require a significant investment, something that needs to be carefully evaluated within the team's current budget.

In addition, Flamengofaces the challenge of downtime of players available on the market. Many of the center forwards who are free for transfer come from long periods without playing, with recent injuries or prolonged absence from the field. This situation represents a risk, as the integration of a player who is not in the rhythm of the game may take longer and be less effective initially.

The club is also considering the limited number of viable options on the market. The scarcity of attackers who meet the criteria required by Flamengo – both in terms of quality and physical readiness – is a factor that further complicates the search for a suitable replacement. 

In this scenario, the management of Flamengo assesses whether signing a new player is the best solution or whether there are viable alternatives to deal with Pedro's absence, such as adjusting the tactical formation or promoting youth players. The final decision is still being studied, and the club needs to carefully consider all aspects before making a decision.

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.