Soccer

Michael Johnston's withdrawal fuels criticism of José Boto, but Flamengo maintains conviction

Criticized for his choice and the alleged influence of social media on the decision, the Portuguese leader will not be fired after betting on the athlete

Flamengo director José Boto continues to be challenged in his job position, after some problems with negotiations (Photo / Flamengo)
Flamengo director José Boto continues to be challenged in his job position, after some problems with negotiations (Photo / Flamengo)

07 Jul 2025 | 14:56 |

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The news that Flamengo had officially given up on signing Scottish striker Michael Johnston gained repercussion on social media and became the subject of criticism from fans and the press . The choice of a little-known name, with modest numbers (3 goals in 46 games) , caused surprise from the beginning. However, what most irritated fans and analysts was the reason for the withdrawal.


APPARENT PROBLEMS AT FLAMENGO


The general perception is that the club backed down after the negative repercussions on social media. For many, this undermines José Boto's autonomy and authority as head of the football department. Journalist Maurício Saraiva was one of those who expressed this sentiment, stating that "there is no way to justify" a football director allowing himself to be influenced by social media. The direct criticism of Boto exposed the fragility of his current position.


FANS GET ANGRY

Fans also didn't mince words. "Let this Boto get out of Flamengo ," wrote Luciana, in one of the many posts demanding changes in the football management. Another fan said that he had "seen this movie before" and that his dismissal would only be a matter of time. Despite the criticism, Flamengo's board of directors has a clear position: José Boto will stay. According to information from journalist Gabriel Reis, from the Paparazzo Rubro-Negro channel, the club does not intend to fire the Portuguese or any other person in the department at this time.


The stance is one of stability. President Bap reinforces that there will be no hasty actions. The internal assessment is that Boto's work can only be analyzed more fairly after the transfer window opens on July 10. The fans' anger towards José Boto has been constant since the beginning of the season, but it gained strength with the episode involving Johnston. On social media, there are hundreds of comments calling for the football director to leave.

Among the messages, there is a tone of urgency: “Fire him now and start from scratch,” said one fan. Another wrote: “You can fire everyone. From José Boto to the board members.” The atmosphere is clearly one of pressure. In addition to the negative reaction from the fans, information has emerged behind the scenes that Michael Johnston ’s physical condition played a role in the final decision. The athlete had presented data that were considered below ideal in evaluations carried out by the club.


Soccer

It's out! Check out Flamengo's lineup to face Internacional in the Copa Libertadores.

With an advantage built at Maracanã and a good run of form in the Brasileirão, Mais Querido seeks to confirm its qualification for the quarterfinals of the Copa Libertadores against Colorado

Flamengo's confirmed lineup to face Internacional at Beira-Rio in the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores - photo: reproduction
Flamengo's confirmed lineup to face Internacional at Beira-Rio in the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores - photo: reproduction

20 Ago 2025 | 20:25 |

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This Wednesday (20), Flamengo is ready to face Internacional again, now for the second leg of the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores, at the Beira-Rio Stadium. After winning the first leg 1-0, at the Maracanã, and beating the opponent again last Sunday (17), 3-1, for the Brazilian Championship, the Mais Querido arrives packed and with morale for the decisive confrontation.


The Rio de Janeiro team, currently the sole leader of the Brasileirão, is targeting the continental tournament in search of a place in the quarterfinals. With the advantage of a draw, the goal is to continue its quest for a fourth Libertadores title. In the group stage, the club finished second in Group C, totaling 11 points, the same as leaders LDU, with four wins, two draws, and only one loss.


FLAMENGO DEFINED


With Erick Pulgar out injured, the coach is counting on Arrascaeta , Bruno Henrique, and midfield reinforcements to maintain the team's consistency against Internacional. The red-and-black lineup has already been confirmed for the match at Beira-Rio. The coach will field the following formation: Agustín Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, and Alex Sandro; Saúl, Jorginho, and Arrascaeta; Gonzalo Plata, Samuel Lino, and Bruno Henrique.

URUGUAYAN ARBITRATION


Experienced in decisive CONMEBOL matches, Esteban Ostojich will be the referee for the Copa Libertadores Round of 16 clash. CONMEBOL has appointed Uruguayan Esteban Ostojich as the referee for the match. With a history of decisive matches in the continental competition, the referee once again takes charge of a game of great importance.

RETROSPECT BETWEEN THE TEAMS

Flamengo has the advantage in overall head-to-head record and remains undefeated against Colorado in Copa Libertadores matches. With their recent Brasileirão triumph, Flamengo has now leveled the playing field and now has 40 wins to Internacional's 39, with 34 draws in 113 meetings. In the Copa Libertadores, there are five clashes: two group stage matches in 1993, two quarterfinals in 2019, and one in the round of 16 in 2025.


Soccer

Former Flamengo player gives up on being Santos coach

Former Mengão coach presented demands considered unfeasible by the Santos board, including major reinforcements, and the club is now turning its attention

Santos withdraws from signing Jorge Sampaoli after impasse over reinforcement demands and financial constraints; club eyes Juan Pablo Vojvoda - photo: reproduction
Santos withdraws from signing Jorge Sampaoli after impasse over reinforcement demands and financial constraints; club eyes Juan Pablo Vojvoda - photo: reproduction

20 Ago 2025 | 20:00 |

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Santos has decided to end negotiations to hire Jorge Sampaoli as its new coach . Despite being the favorite to replace Cléber Xavier, who was fired after the 6-0 thrashing by Vasco, Santos failed to meet the Argentine's demands.


The main obstacle was the list of reinforcements requested by the coach, which even included a starter from Sevilla, Spain. The board argued that current financial conditions would not allow for such a large investment , making the deal unfeasible.


SAMPAOLI'S DEMANDS


In addition to seeking high-profile signings, Sampaoli reportedly also requested the release of youngsters Robinho Jr. and Gabriel Bontempo, recently integrated into the squad and well-regarded by fans. The coach's stance widened the gap between his ideas and the board's planning.

Negotiations made progress on salary points and even on the appointment of reinforcements , but no consensus was reached. The Argentine coach, who had a turbulent time with the Mais Querido in 2023, ended up being discarded by the Santos leadership.


SAMPAOLI HAD A PASSAGE AT FLAMENGO

While in charge of Flamengo in 2023, Sampaoli finished runner-up in the Copa do Brasil, but suffered significant burnout after an early elimination from the Copa Libertadores against Paraguayan club Olimpia. Recent history also weighed on internal assessments.



Soccer

Live: watch the game between Flamengo and Internacional for the Libertadores at Beira-Rio

After winning the first leg at Maracanã, Mais Querido will play for a draw against Colorado to confirm their qualification for the Copa Libertadores.

Flamengo faces Internacional at Beira-Rio in the second leg of the Libertadores round of 16 with Mengão in the lead - photo: reproduction
Flamengo faces Internacional at Beira-Rio in the second leg of the Libertadores round of 16 with Mengão in the lead - photo: reproduction

20 Ago 2025 | 19:30 |

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Flamengo returns to the field this Wednesday (20), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), to face Internacional at Beira-Rio Stadium, in Porto Alegre. The duel is valid for the second leg of the round of 16 of the Copa Libertadores. In the first leg, played at Maracanã, Rubro-Negro won 1-0 with a goal from Bruno Henrique and now only needs a draw to advance to the quarterfinals.


Fans will be able to watch the decisive match between Internacional and Flamengo live on broadcast, cable, and streaming TV. The game will be covered on three platforms. Rede Globo will broadcast the match on broadcast TV and Globoplay. ESPN subscribers will be able to watch on cable. Disney+ will also broadcast the match via exclusive streaming service.


LIVE FLAMENGO X INTERNACIONAL


PROBABLE LINEUPS


Coach Roger Machado should keep his base in Colorado, while Filipe Luís has Arrascaeta and Bruno Henrique in the starting lineup. Internacional should go to the field with: Rochet; Aguirre, Vitão, Juninho and Bernabei; Thiago Maia, Alan Rodríguez, Tabata, Alan Patrick and Wesley; Ricardo Mathias.

Flamengo 's likely lineup should have changes in midfield: Agustín Rossi; Varela, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira and Alex Sandro; Allan, Jorginho and Arrascaeta; Gonzalo Plata, Samuel Lino and Bruno Henrique.



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