DE LA CRUZ OR GERSON? TITE TALKS ABOUT WHO WILL BE THE STARTER AT FLAMENGO

A former Flamengo target in the primeira window of the year, is almost certainly a rival from Rio. This is because Botafogo overcame previous difficulties with Udinese and is still in the process of signing Matheus Martins, a 21-year-old striker. The operation will cost 10 million euros (R$ 60 million), with a further 2 million euros in bonuses, for 90% of the attacker's economic rights.

Only the athlete's signature separates the negotiation from being assured officially, but both parties already consider the operation as done.

Flamengo even negotiated with the striker, while he was on vacation in Rio de Janeiro. Some meetings took place, but there was no agreement with the Europeans. Another point was that at the time of the red-black attack, the player had the desire to continue in Europe.

So far, the rubro-negro< /a> has not signed any players since the start of the transfer window. The attempts with midfielder Marcos Antônio were unsuccessful and the Rio club ended up taking a beating from São Paulo, which signed the player. So far, the only name in which Flamengo is negotiating is with midfielder Claudinho, from Zenit, in Russia. Despite the Russians' tough game, everything is fine between the player and Flamengo.

Last Wednesday (24), striker Carlinhos secured three points for Flamengo over Vitória. Due to his way of celebrating, the player received the nickname "Bellingham da Gávea" from the red-black fans. Thus, the athlete commented on the joke.

"For me: Ronaldo, Romário and Adriano, I'm a big fan of them and I always try to imitate them. I know there's a lot missing. And I like the fans because they're creative: “it's Adriano Imperador's Avatar”, “Bellingham da Gávea”… That's cool. Here, for the guys, I'm the “thunder” because a partner of mine said: “Can I make a stop at your boot”? forget it", he said, in an interview with FlaTV.

In addition to commenting on the fans' joke, Carlinhos also spoke about the meaning of the way he celebrates goals as a Flamengo player.

"I came from an evangelical family, and at home there were a lot of evangelical films. Even though my name is Carlos Moisés, I always liked the opposite side, which is Pharaoh Ramses . My mother would scold me, I would put my hand on my waist (laughs)", he said, before finishing:

"When I grew up, I always did this to her: “Mom, Ramses has arrived”. In this review I told my brothers that this was going to be the celebration. My posture was stupid, but it was more to provoke my mother. This position he takes is one of authority, a bit harshly, I identified with the celebration", he concluded.

So, with Carlinhos at his disposal, Flamengo started preparation for the clash against Atlético-GO this Friday afternoon (26). The game will be on Sunday (28), valid for the 20th round of the Brasileirão, at 4pm.

With the return of Uruguayans Arrascaeta, De La Cruz, Viña and Varela after the Copa América, Flamengo players took advantage of the opportunity to try to gain space in the team during the nine games played in a month and a half. The competition for positions heats up again with the return of the quartet, and this Saturday, at 4pm, against Criciúmafor the 18th round of the Brazilian Championship, two of them should be starters.

This will be the first time that coach Tite will be able to field what he considers to be the best team in the squad since rout over Vasco. Absolute in the red and black midfield, De La Cruz and Arrascaeta should form the starting trio with Pulgar. Thus, Gerson, who stood out in this period, will return to the right side of the attack, where he also showed good performance. performance.

However, on the flanks the situation is different. On the left, Ayrton Lucas, who had good moments, such as the great goal against Atlético-MG in the victory. 4-2, he should maintain his starting position over Viña, at least in this first moment. On the right, Wesley, who grew in production while Varela was with the team, will be the starter. He received praise from the coaching staff and had his contract renewed until 2028. , with a salary increase and a billion-dollar termination fine. Recently, Bournemouth made an offer of R$71 million for the athlete, which was rejected by Flamengo.

In attack, Everton Cebolinha, recovered from a right hip injury suffered a month ago against Bahia, will also return to the team. Pedro will continue as the starter in attack, while Gabigol, free to play despite the dispute with the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), will be selected for the match.

The match against Criciúma will be held at the Mané Garrincha stadium, in Brasília. Flamengo starts the round in third place in the championship, seeking to further consolidate itself at the top of the table.