FLAMENGO SUB-15 AND 17 COPA RIO SEMIFINALS DATES ARE DEFINED

Back at Ninho do Urubu after the Club World Cup, Flamengo's squad returns to their routine, focused on the match against São Paulo in the 13th round of the Brasileirão. Despite having played a game less, Flamengo is leading the competition and will be looking to maintain its lead upon its return to Maracanã.

Varela on Flamengo in the Club World Cup: "We wanted much more"

Right-back Guillermo Varela assessed the period as essential not only for physical and tactical preparation, but also for restoring the team's emotional focus after the disappointment in the United States: " These are good days to, first, clear our heads about the Club World Cup . Then, start preparing and train well, because we're going to face a very strong opponent," the Uruguayan told FlaTV.

DISAPPOINTMENT IN THE WORLD CUP AND TOTAL FOCUS ON THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Despite ending their participation in the semifinals, the squad believed in the possibility of a world title. Varela admitted his frustration, but emphasized that the group emerged stronger from the experience. With the Brasileirão underway and the decisive stages of the Libertadores and Copa do Brasil ahead , Flamengo will have a busy schedule until the end of the season.

"Obviously, we wanted much more. We thought we could win the World Cup. But that's football. We lost to Bayern Munich, but the group prepared, and we're focused on the next game ," he added.

REUNION WITH THE FANS AT MARACANÃ

Varela also highlighted the fans' support during the games in the United States and projected a special reunion with the Nation at Maracanã. The duel between Flamengo and São Paulo takes place this Sunday (6), at 4:30 pm (Brasília time), at the red-black home.

" Congratulations to all the fans who watched Flamengo's games in the United States . This game will also be special because they supported us from Rio and all over Brazil. It will be a very special reunion," he said.

The Flamengo squad resumed activities at CT Ninho do Urubu this past Tuesday (8) aiming at the match against São Paulo, for the Brasileirão. Thus, Léo Pereira projected the match and the reunion with the Red-Black Nation at Maracanã.

Léo Pereira plans a reunion with Flamengo fans: "I hope they can go and have a great party."

He continued: "I believe the nation is also missing us. I hope they can go and have a great party, with us giving our all on the field ," Léo Pereira highlighted in an interview with "Flamengo TV".

NATIONAL SUPPORT IN THE USA WAS PRAISED BY LÉO PEREIRA

Léo Pereira also took the opportunity to praise the support of the Red-Black Nation during the Club World Cup matches in the United States. The first two were in Philadelphia, against Espérance (TUN) and Chelsea, while the third, against LAFC, took place in Orlando. Finally, in the loss to Bayern, the Red-Blacks played in Miami.

"It will be very important, just like they did in the United States. Whoever came and supported us was very important. I'm sure this support will be crucial for the rest of the season ," the defender highlighted.

FOCUS ON THE NEXT GAME

Thus, with Léo Pereira available, the Flamengo squad continues preparing for the match against São Paulo . The match will be played on Saturday (12), at 4:30 pm, at Maracanã. The game will be valid for the 13th round of the Brasileirão.

Fluminense said goodbye to the Club World Cup last Tuesday (8), after being defeated by a score of 2 to 0 by Chelsea. The two goals of the English team came from the feet of the former player of the tricolor team, João Pedro, signed during the tournament. After the game, former Flamengo player Renê, was outraged with the FIFA regulations.

Renê is outraged by FIFA regulations: "I believe it interfered, yes."

He continued: "It's difficult: you need a striker, the strikers aren't doing well or have been injured, and you go there and spend R$400 million on a striker of João Pedro's caliber. Of course, he's not to blame," said Renê before adding:

"Signing a player for the round of 16 of the competition, at this level, a player of his caliber, made a difference in the last game, made a difference today, and will probably make a difference in the final. You have to accept it, there's nothing to say about the rules ," the former Flamengo player added.

FIFA REGULATIONS

FIFA regulations allowed participating clubs to strengthen their squads after advancing to the round of 16. Chelsea spent £55 million (R$415 million) to strengthen their squad during the tournament. Striker João Pedro made his debut in the quarterfinals, in the victory against Palmeiras.

ABOUT THAT...

While Chelsea remains alive in the Club World Cup, Flamengo remains focused on the next commitments of the season. The Most Beloved faces São Paulo this Saturday (12), in a match valid for the 13th round of the Brasileirão.