IT'S CHAMPION! FLAMENGO SWIMMING WINS THE BRAZILIAN TITLE

With the match against São Paulo in mind, coach Filipe Luís will have to field a Flamengo team with a significant absence: midfielder Erick Pulgar . The Chilean suffered a fracture in the fifth metatarsal of his right foot on June 29th and, after undergoing surgery, is expected to return to the field only between September and October, according to doctors.

Another key player who won't be available is striker Pedro. The player, who didn't participate in Friday's collective training session at Ninho do Urubu, only performed separate physical activities and wasn't included in the squad list for the match against São Paulo. The number 9's absence forces the coach to make changes in attack, and he could opt for Bruno Henrique as a replacement.

FLAMENGO RETURNS FROM THE CLUB WORLD CUP

After weeks away from the country competing in the Club World Cup, Flamengo returns to play in Brazil and meets its fans again this Saturday (12), at 4 pm, against São Paulo, at Maracanã. The match is valid for the 13th round of the Brazilian Championship and marks the club's return to the national tournament, with expectations of a full house.

With the absences and the strain from the trip to the United States, the team is expected to make significant changes. The Mais Querido's likely lineup includes: Rossi; Wesley, Léo Ortiz, Léo Pereira, and Alex Sandro; Jorginho, De La Cruz, and Arrascaeta; Luiz Araújo, Plata, and Bruno Henrique.

THE GOAL IS TO MAINTAIN THE LEADERSHIP IN THE BRAZILIAN CHAMPIONSHIP

Despite the absences and the intense pace of the season, the coaching staff's focus is to keep the team at the top of the table. Flamengo leads the Brasileirão with 24 points from 11 matches , one less than some of its direct competitors.

Flamengo officially announced the dismissal of Carlos Noval, who was previously responsible for the club's youth teams. The decision was published in a note on the club's official website and social media early this Friday afternoon (11).

Noval had been in the position since 2009 and played an important role in modernizing the Flamengo youth academy, developing several talented youngsters who made it to the professional squad in recent seasons. The decision to end the cycle was made in agreement with the new board of directors. In the statement, Flamengo thanked Carlos Noval for his services and highlighted the manager's successful career over more than 15 years:

"Clube de Regatas do Flamengo announces that Carlos Noval is no longer serving as director of the youth teams. The club thanks him for the professionalism, dedication, and identification he demonstrated throughout his career with the "Mais Querido," a career full of achievements during his more than 15 years of service to Flamengo football, and wishes him success in his future endeavors."

The vacancy left by Carlos Noval will be filled by Alfredo Almeida, who joined Flamengo in January 2025. The professional has experience at other youth academy centers in Brazilian football and has been working behind the scenes on a project aimed at bridging the gap between the youth teams and the main squad. According to the club, the appointment was a direct decision by president BAP in conjunction with José Boto, technical director of professional football.

A NEW NAME IN COMMAND

Alfredo Almeida's main mission will be to continue the integration project between the youth academy and the professional team. Since his arrival at the club, the director has participated in meetings and strategic decisions with the football department. Flamengo's goal is to make the youth academy even more productive and aligned with the playing style and demands of the main squad, shortening the connection between the U-20 and the senior team.

NAME ON FLAMENGO'S LIST

The club also confirmed that Alfredo Almeida will be officially presented at a press conference scheduled for next Monday (14), at 11 am, at CT George Helal. He will be alongside Bruno Pivete, the new coach of the U-20 team, who will also be presented. The press conference will be broadcast live on Flamengo TV.

Striker Pedro will not be among those selected for the duel between Flamengo and São Paulo, valid for the return of the Brazilian Championship. The player carried out activities separate from the squad this Friday (11), at Ninho do Urubu, and did not participate in the collective training. Despite being medically fit, he was left out by technical decision, which reflects the turbulent moment in the relationship with coach Filipe Luís and his staff.

Pedro believes he needs match fitness to regain his best form, but understands he's been unfairly losing ground. Dissatisfaction grew after strong performances against Juventude and Corinthians , followed by his departure from the starting lineup in the Libertadores match against LDU. Since then, the coach has been improvising players in Pedro's position, which has undermined the number 9's confidence.

TECHNICAL COMMITTEE QUESTIONS PERFORMANCE

According to an investigation, Filipe Luís and his assistants believe that the center forward's performance in daily activities is below the required standards. His absence from the squad to face São Paulo would be a direct result of this dissatisfaction. The situation highlights the growing tension between the player and the team, although Pedro has not yet requested his departure from the club.

Another incident that contributed to the discomfort was the leak of an internal conversation about the board's desire to negotiate Pedro for around 15 million euros. The information, published by UOL, originated from a source directly linked to the football department and close to Filipe Luís , which generated distrust on the player's part. Internally, Pedro himself believes that the director's vision partially reflects the coach's thinking.

PEDRO'S REMOVAL RAISES DOUBTS

One of the Mais Querido's top scorers in international competitions, Pedro had few opportunities in the Club World Cup and regrets his lack of success. Despite the turbulent situation, any possible departure will depend on a joint decision by the board and coaching staff.