De La Cruz would be uncomfortable at Flamengo and is considering leaving in 2025, says journalist

Filipe Luís, Flamengo 's current coach, has been actively participating in strategic decisions to strengthen the squad this season. Even with a group considered among the most qualified in Brazilian football, the coach understands that, in order to compete at a high level in tournaments such as the Super World Cup, it will be necessary to expand the squad's options.

The club's immediate focus remains on the Brazilian Championship, but behind the scenes, attention is also turned to the upcoming international competition . According to sources linked to the football department, the technical committee has already indicated the need for at least three specific signings to maintain competitiveness on all fronts.

THREE POSITIONS ARE SEEN AS PRIORITY

The idea is to bring in a winger with creative skills, a versatile midfielder and a defender to strengthen the defensive system. The information was revealed by journalist Fabrício Lopes, who follows the backstage of Mais Querido on a daily basis and shared the details on his YouTube channel . "The board is working with the idea of bringing in at least three reinforcements. The priority is in these positions," he explained. This move is already part of the planning for the next transfer window. Filipe Luís , who has already shown his tactical attention and care for the group, has held frequent conversations with the red-black leadership about the profile of the athletes sought.

Among the names being evaluated is Paraguayan Julio Enciso, an attacking midfielder who plays for Brighton in England. Young and with good vision, Enciso fits the profile desired by the coaching staff for the playmaker role . His versatility and ability to build up attacks caught the attention of the Rio de Janeiro club.

BASE PROMISES WILL NOT BE KEPT

Despite the interest, sources close to the board indicate that the player is not the only one being monitored. The idea is to carefully evaluate the European and South American markets before moving forward with offers. Enciso 's name, however, is among the most highly rated so far. Another important point in Mengão's planning is the preservation of talent from the youth team. According to journalist Fabrício Lopes, the club rules out involving youngsters Matheus Gonçalves and Lorran in any type of negotiation to bring in new reinforcements . The board understands that the youngsters are part of the club's future and should remain integrated into the main squad.

The 0-0 draw between Flamengo and Vasco last Saturday raised questions about the performance of the team led by Filipe Luís. After a convincing victory against Juventude, the Mais Querido was unable to repeat the same rhythm against their rival. For commentator Elton Serra, the short interval between matches may have been decisive for the below-expected performance.

This weighs on performance.." - said Filipe Luis

In the journalist's analysis, the short time between Wednesday's duel and Saturday's classic — just two days apart — directly impacted the intensity of the athletes on the field. “Even without travel, this short interval weighs heavily. It is a factor that must be considered when analyzing the team's performance,” assessed Elton.

INTENSITY BELOW EXPECTED

In addition to the physical strain, Elton also highlighted that the pace of the game was lower than in the previous match. Against Juventude, Flamengo imposed its style from the start and decided the match in 20 minutes. Against Vasco, the intensity was lower, making it difficult to create more effective plays. “ It has a lot to do with the intensity that the team applied 72 hours ago. This affects the performance”, he stated. According to him, the difference in the team's behavior was evident between the two games, and the lack of a strong start affected the way the opponent behaved.

THE IMPORTANCE OF THE FIRST GOAL

Another crucial point raised by Elton Serra is the difficulty Mengão encounters when it fails to open the scoring early. For him, scoring in the first few minutes conditions the game and directly affects the opponent's stance on the field. “The first goal always conditions the game. When Flamengo takes the lead, spaces appear more, the opponent needs to expose itself. Against Vasco, this did not happen, and the team had more difficulty”, commented the analyst.

On the other side, Elton acknowledged the merit of Vasco , who knew how to close up and resist the red-black pressure, especially in the second half. According to him, the performance of goalkeeper Léo Jardim was crucial in securing the draw. “Vasco managed to hold on well, especially in the final stage. Merit also goes to Léo Jardim, who showed up when needed,” he highlighted. The Vasco defense remained compact, with low lines, making it difficult for the opposing team to attack.

The Brasileirão is still in its early stages, but Flamengo , which started the round in the lead, saw its position taken by Palmeiras this Sunday (20). The change at the top of the table happened after Mais Querido's goalless draw with Vasco, on Saturday (19) , combined with the green-and-white victory over Fortaleza. Playing at Allianz Parque, Palmeiras took the lead with a goal by Facundo Torres and extended their lead with José López. The São Paulo team dominated much of the match, but saw former striker Deyverson, now at Fortaleza, pull one back and almost ruin the plans of Abel Ferreira's team in the final minutes of the match.

PENALTY AT THE END ALMOST KEPT FLAMENGO IN THE LEAD

In the second half's injury time, Fortaleza had the chance to equalize with a penalty kick. If the ball had hit the net, Flamengo would have ended the round as the leader. However, goalkeeper Weverton saved Lucero's shot and secured the 2-1 win for Verdão, who now take first place.

FLAMENGO LET LEADERSHIP SLIP AWAY

This result caused Mengão to be overtaken in the table even without losing. The draw in the derby against Vasco, highlighted by Léo Jardim's solid performance, left Filipe Luís' team vulnerable to a change in leadership, which was confirmed by Palmeiras' victory. Another match that had a direct influence on the classification was between Fluminense and Vitória, at Maracanã. The Rio de Janeiro team was winning 1-0 until the final minutes, which, at that moment, would have allowed them to overtake Flamengo.

The draw at Maracanã ended up being important for Mais Querido to remain in second place, despite the unfavorable results of the round. If Fluminense had won, the situation would have been even more uncomfortable for Filipe Luís's team, who are already facing demands for more regularity. The round is not over yet, but the remaining clubs that enter the field do not have enough points to overtake Flamengo. Cruzeiro and Red Bull Bragantino play on Sunday night, while Bahia and Ceará will only end the round on Monday (21), in Salvador.

With this, Rubro-Negro ends the round in second place, a scenario that could have been more complicated if it weren't for the combination of setbacks from other rivals. Despite the loss of position, the team remains strong in the fight for the title and has the advantage of being able to regain the lead in the next rounds. Now, the focus of the Rio de Janeiro team turns to two important commitments. Before facing Corinthians in the Brasileirão, on Sunday (27), at Maracanã, Flamengo has an away challenge ahead of them in the Copa Libertadores . The opponent will be LDU, in Quito, in a match that promises physical demands and altitude as obstacles.