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Flamengo made a decision that generated discussion between fans and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). The Rio club decided not to release young Lorran, who is already part of the main squad, for the Brazilian under-20 team's training sessions at Granja Comary, scheduled to take place between the 3rd and 11th of June. This decision was communicated by Flamengo's vice-president of football, Marcos Braz, and justified by the athlete's need in the main squad.

According to Braz, Lorran's presence in the main group of Flamengo makes their participation in training with the youth teams unnecessary. "It doesn't make sense to release the athlete who is already in the main squad to participate in training for youth teams," he said. The manager's position reflects Flamengo's priority in having all of its most promising players in the main team, especially in a decisive phase of the competition calendar.

The decision to keep Lorran at Flamengo and not answer the call for the under-20 team has its justifications. The club is going through a crucial moment in the season, competing for important titles and needing a complete and competitive squad. Lorran's absence from training could negatively impact Flamengo's preparation for the challenges to come.

The expectation now is about the CBF's response. O Flamengo believes that the entity will understand the situation and will be understanding of the club's decision. "Flamengo hopes that the CBF understands our position. We have total respect for the Brazilian team and its projects, but we need to make decisions thinking about the best for the club and the player", added Braz.

This stance of Flamengo reveals a tendency for Brazilian clubs to prioritize their interests in relation to the youth teams, especially when it comes to players who are already integrated into the main squad. The dispute between the interests of clubs and the call-ups of youth teams is a recurring theme in Brazilian football, often generating tensions between the parties involved.

Cacau Cotta, director of External Relations at Flamengo and pre-candidate for councilor in Rio de Janeiro, raised a crucial point about the relevance of politics in the administration of football clubs, especially in Flamengo. For him, politics is not only omnipresent, but also essential for the functioning and growth of these institutions.

Cotta argues that politics is inserted in all spheres of society, including sport. He explains that Flamengo's interaction with different political groups is fundamental to realizing the club's interests. To reinforce this idea, Flamengo has a specific position in its organizational structure: the executive director of Government Relations. This role is crucial to mediate the relationship between the club and the various bodies of public power.

The director highlights several examples that illustrate how politics can benefit football clubs. He mentions the case of Atlético Mineiro, which re-elected Alexandre Kalil, former president of the club, as mayor of Belo Horizonte in 2020. This fact demonstrates the influence and prestige that a figure from the sporting world can have in politics.

Another example cited is Corinthians, who got the Neo Química Arena and its training center thanks to the work of Andres Sanches, former federal deputy and former president of the club. Sanches' ability to move between football and politics resulted in significant benefits for the São Paulo club.

After an embarrassment in the Libertadores da América, against Palestino, Flamengo returns to Rio de Janeiro to compete in the Brazilian Championship.

This Saturday (11), Rubro-Negro faces Corinthians, at Maracanã, in a game valid for the 6th round; see below the information about Flamengo's next three games.

Coming from a shameful defeat against the Palestinian, the Flamengo arrives for the match against Corinthians in the midst of a very turbulent environment. With the team under pressure, Mais Querido hosts Corinthians, in a game that will mark coach Tite's reunion with the São Paulo club.

Flamengo and Corinthians will face each other on May 11th, a Saturday, at 4pm (Brasília time). Fans will be able to watch the duel through Premiere, which will broadcast the match exclusively.

After the duel with Corinthians, Flamengo returns to play for the Libertadores da América. Needing to score to continue dreaming of qualifying for the knockout stages, Rubro-Negro welcomes Bolívar, leader of Group E, at Maracanã.

Date, time and where to watch

Flamengo x Bolívar is on scheduled for May 15th, at 9:30 pm (Brasília time), at Maracanã. The duel will be broadcast on TV Globo and Paramount.

Finally, to close the sequence of Flamengo's next three games, a classic state against Vasco da Gama. The match will be valid for the 7th round of the Brazilian Championship, and according to an agreement between the two clubs, the Classic of Millions will be played at Maracanã, with divided fans.

Date, time and where to watch

Vasco da Gama x Flamengo is scheduled for May 18th, a Saturday, and the ball starts rolling at 9pm (Brasília time). The classic will be broadcast live on SporTV and Premiere.