Speculated in Flamengo, Fernando Diniz signs with another Brazilian team

Flamengo's phase in 2024 is far from ideal, but, according to journalist Rodrigo Mattos, there are reasons that go beyond Tite's work to explain the performance below expectations. In his column on UOL, the reporter highlighted some factors that are harming the club and preventing it from reaching its full potential this season.

Although Tite bears his share of responsibility, Mattos argues that the problems are broader and cannot be attributed to the coach alone. One of the main factors mentioned is the tight Brazilian football calendar, which affects all clubs. “After the Copa América, without starters, Tite started to dedicate himself more to putting out fires than putting together a team”, stated the journalist.

In addition, the bad pitches in several stadiums and the low The quality of arbitration also contributes to leveling the playing field. “The pitches are bad and prevent fast play or are artificial, which changes the pace of the game. Then there are the Brazilian and South American referees who stop the game with excessive fouls, are permissive with wax and violence”, wrote Rodrigo Mattos.

Injuries harmed Flamengo in 2024

Another important point raised by Rodrigo Mattos are injuries, which hit Flamengo significantly in 2024. Striker Pedro, one of the team's main players, is out of the season after a serious injury, and other names like Viña and Cebolinha are also out they will not return before 2025. Michael, who arrived to reinforce the team in the second semester, and Luiz Araújo also suffered injuries at crucial moments, compromising the team's performance.

“Tite has his responsibility in the OR, but the season took five of his main players off the team. Two others, Arrascaeta and De La Cruz, play at a physical level well below their real level. It is impossible to even imagine what the team would be like at full strength.”

Rodrigo Mattos concludes his analysis by asking for a broader assessment of the scenario and criticizes the coach's resignation requests, highlighting that the problems faced by Flamengo they go beyond Tite and involve a series of factors that need to be considered.

“Yes, there should be a discussion about this scenario imposed on all teams and how it impoverishes national football. But it’s easier to ask the technician on duty to resign”, he concludes.

Train the Flamengois the dream of many players and, outside the pitch, the same desire exists among football coaches. Among these coaches, a prominent name is Geninho, Brazilian champion with Athletico-PR in 2001. In a recent interview on the program 'Mesa Redonda', on TV Gazeta, the coach revealed that, if he had the opportunity to lead Flamengo , his career would be complete.

Even with his extensive CV and spells at major Brazilian football clubs, such as Corinthians, Botafogo, Vasco, Santos and Atlético-MG, Geninho never had the chance to coach Flamengo. Even so, the coach cherishes the memory of having worked with one of the biggest idols of the red and black fans: Dejan Petkovic. The Serbian, who is an important figure in the club's history, was led by Geninho at three different times: Vitória (1998), Vasco (2004) and Atlético-MG (2008).

In addition to his achievements at Athletico-PR and Corinthians, Geninho accumulated several state titles for clubs in the Northeast, Central-West and South of Brazil. Despite this, Flamengo remains an “unfulfilled desire” in the career of the veteran coach, who has been without a club since 2022, when he left Vitória.

While Geninho reflects on his career and the dream of coaching the Flamengo , the club is experiencing a new era under the command of Tite, a coach renowned for his work in the Brazilian National Team and in major clubs such as Corinthians, where he won major titles such as the Libertadores and the Club World Cup. Tite took over Flamengo at a decisive moment in the season, with the club still competing in the Brazilian Championship and international competitions.

Currently, Flamengo is divided between two fronts. This Sunday (22), the red and black reserves, led by technical assistant Matheus Bachi, face Grêmio, in Porto Alegre, in the 27th round of the Brasileirão. Tite, in turn, is focused on preparations for the clash against Peñarol (URU), which takes place on Thursday (26), in the Sudamericana. This division of attention reflects the high level of demand and the need for careful strategic planning to handle all competitions.

Flamengo, under the command of Tite, is going through a period of questioning, even after winning the Campeonato Carioca. Fans have expressed dissatisfaction with the style of play adopted by the coach, and speculation is beginning to emerge about possible replacements.

One of the most talked about names among red and black fans is Fernando Diniz. The coach, who led Fluminense to the Libertadores title in 2023, is available on the market after being fired for poor results in 2024. Diniz, known for his attacking style of play and valuing possession of the ball, has gained popularity among those who they want a change in Gávea.

Another name that circulates among fans is that of Luis Castro, former coach of Botafogo and Al-Nassr, from Saudi Arabia. Castro, who had an excellent campaign with Botafogo in the Brasileirão, is seen as a viable alternative. His work at Alvinegro was highly praised, and his departure was followed by a drop in performance at the Rio club, which ended up losing the national title.

While speculation about the technical command continues, Flamengodirects its energies towards the decisive confrontation against Bolívar, for Liberators.

Rubro-Negro won the first game 2-0 at Maracanã and is now preparing for the return game, which will take place at the 3,640-meter altitude of the Hernando Siles Stadium, in La Paz, next Thursday (22), at 9:30 pm (Brasília time). The team is looking to secure its place in the quarter-finals of the continental competition.

Twitter:@pabloraphaelrua