AND NOW? FLAMENGO WILL HAVE TO FOLLOW THE TABLE STRICTLY TO DREAM OF 1ST PLACE IN THE LIBERTADORES GROUP

Flamengo continues intense preparation for the decisive duel against Atlético-MG , scheduled for this Wednesday (06), at 7 pm, at Arena MRV, in Belo Horizonte. The match is worth a place in the quarterfinals of the Copa do Brasil and the Rio de Janeiro team needs to win after the 1-0 defeat in the first leg, at Maracanã.

Coach Filipe Luís is signaling changes to the attacking sector with the aim of seeking positive results from the opening minutes. The proposal is to adopt a more aggressive approach , focusing on the movement and speed of the attackers, as well as creativity in the midfield.

The likely lineup for the match indicates an attacking formation: Rossi; Varela, Léo Pereira, Léo Ortiz, Viña; Allan, Jorginho, Arrascaeta; Luiz Araújo, Samuel Lino and Pedro (Plata).

UNPRECEDENTED TRIO IN ATTACK

With this formation, Flamengo is banking on an attacking trio that has never played together: Luiz Araújo, Samu Lino, and Pedro Plata . The expectation is that this addition will bring new dynamism to the attack , increasing the pressure on the Minas Gerais defense. Furthermore, Filipe Luís is also considering a midfield change, with Saúl replacing Allan, which would make the team even more attack-oriented.

CEBOLINHA AND MICHAEL RETURN

Two important reinforcements participated normally in the activities carried out this Monday (04), at CT Ninho do Urubu: Everton Cebolinha and Michael. Both were under the care of the medical department. The number 11 was recovering from muscle tendonitis , while the striker nicknamed "robozinho" was dealing with pain in his left ankle.

After a string of disappointing results, including a 1-0 loss to Atlético-MG and a draw against Ceará , Flamengo is experiencing a slowdown this season. Despite boasting a roster full of renowned athletes, the team's collective performance has been criticized , particularly for its lack of consistency.

Former player and current commentator Paulo Nunes was blunt in his analysis of the team's current form. According to him, the problem goes beyond results and involves the team's performance on the field. "If you look at Flamengo's squad, player by player, it's a team that can compete with any other in Brazil ," he said.

" And when the starting lineup comes in, the potential is even greater. But the performance is below par. It's not just about winning, but about playing better. I was shocked by Flamengo 's bench against Atlético-MG. There's talent, there are alternatives, but something is missing on the field," said Paulo Nunes.

QUALIFIED CAST DOES NOT REFLECT ON THE FIELD

Despite the big names at the coach's disposal, the team's performance hasn't reflected the club's investment. Flamengo is still searching for a more convincing style of play, especially in front of a demanding fan base , which expects more than just close results or lackluster performances.

Paulo Nunes reinforced this view, emphasizing that the team has the capacity to play more engaging football. " I'm a results-oriented team, always have been. But Flamengo has the ability to play better football. They already demonstrated that before the World Cup. Fans go to Maracanã expecting to see that level again."

DIFFICULTIES IN THE MIDFIELD EXPLAIN OSCILLATIONS

In recent games, the team has shown signs of tactical imbalance and difficulty creating attacking plays. The lack of creative output, coupled with difficulties controlling the midfield , has limited the team's performance in decisive matches.

Former Flamengo president Rodolfo Landim expressed concern about the future of the club's stadium construction project. In an interview with Penido's Podcast on "Super Rádio Tupi," the former executive stated that the change in Flamengo's leadership in 2025 significantly slowed progress on planning for the new arena, planned for the Gasômetro site in downtown Rio de Janeiro.

According to Landim, this issue was decisive in his decision to support Rodrigo Dunshee in the last internal elections . However, Luiz Eduardo Baptista, known as Bap, won the election and took over as club president. For the former president, the current board shows no concrete interest in advancing the stadium project.

FORMER PRESIDENT CITES LACK OF COMMITMENT

During his participation in the podcast, Landim was categorical in pointing out the lack of commitment of the current administration: "I knew that this (stadium) would not happen, it was one of the main reasons why my personal choice of candidate was different. Absolutely certain (that the stadium would not happen with Bap). (Board) has no (interest in the stadium) . He (Bap) will say no, they will create all kinds of excuses to prove otherwise," he declared.

The former president also believes the project has only been kept afloat so far thanks to Mayor Eduardo Paes's patience. The Gasômetro land was expropriated with the intention of becoming Flamengo 's future stadium. However, Landim warns that the city's support may have its limits.

THERE IS A RISK OF LAND LOSS

Also in the interview, Landim explained that if the current board doesn't move forward with the project, the city government could back down. " It's killing the stadium project. If it doesn't move forward , the mayor won't get the law approved and will have to negotiate with Caixa Econômica Federal to raise the money and return the land to Caixa Econômica Federal. There's a huge risk, not a small one. The only reason it hasn't happened is because the mayor is patient. All it takes is for the mayor to say, 'I'm tired,'" he warned.